Feyenoord’s chances of progressing in the Champions League hang in the balance as they travel to face Turkish side Besiktas in the 2nd leg of their third qualifying round match.
- By Michael Bell
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The Rotterdam side were extremely disappointing during the first leg at De Kuip, as they failed to make the most of their domination before succumbing to a 2-1 defeat. Only a last minute Mitchell te Vrede penalty gave Feyenoord any hope in the second leg, although they will need to score at least twice to have any chance of progress.
Feyenoord’s players and coach Fred Rutten have not given up hope of progression though, and they believe that if they can score early on in the match, then qualifying for the next round could happen.
Rutten said, “In the first game we were definitely not the weaker party. I am confident that we can score tomorrow. We’re trying to score a quick goal then it becomes a real match.”
New signings Luke Wilkshire, and Bilal Basacikoglu are unavailable for the game, while Khalid Boulahrouz also misses out through injury.
Probable Feyenoord XI: Mulder, Van Beek, Kongolo, Mathijsen, Nelom, Clasie, Immers, Vilhena, Boetius, Schaken, Te Vrede
Besiktas only introduced big new signing Demba Ba from the bench last week, but it likely that the former Chelsea, and Newcastle striker will start the 2nd leg.
Possible Besiktas XI: Zengin, Kurtulus, Ramon, Franco, Gulum, Hutchinson, Uysal, Frei, Sahan, Pektemek, Ba
Feyenoord need to attack Besiktas from the beginning of the match, and the pace of Boetius and Schaken will be a handful for the Turkish side. However Besiktas are suited to playing on the counter attack, as they proved in Rotterdam, and Feyenoord’s attacking intentions may backfire.
The defeat in the first leg has left Feyenoord with an almost impossible task on Wednesday, and its more than likely that the clubs time in the Champions League will be a short one. Defeat does not end Feyenoord’s chances in Europe though as they would drop down to the Europa League.
Speaking to the press, Jean Paul Boetius said he was hoping for a miracle in Istanbul, and Feyenoord may need one if they are to progress to the final qualification phase before the group stage of the Champions League.