Feyenoord ran out 5-2 winners in Utrecht to get off to the perfect start in 2014 and cement themselves as title contenders.
- By Michael Bell
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The match kickstarted into life on 12 minutes when Jens Toornstra started a flurry of goals with a rifled shot which flew into the corner to give Utrecht the lead.
Feyenoord equalised on 17 minutes when Tonny Vilhena’s shot was turned into the net by Ruben Schaken from close range, and a minute later Graziano Pelle made it 2-1 with a back heel flick from Schaken’s cross.
The goals kept coming and Utrecht were level on 22 minutes when Steve De Ridder’s ball across the box was tapped in from close range by Toornstra.
Stefan de Vrij smashed in at the front post from a well worked corner to ensure Feyenoord went into the break 3-2 up, but it could have been more if not for a number of good stops from Utrecht keeper Robbin Ruiter.
The second half saw Feyenoord continue to dominate and Ruben Schaken made it 4-2 with a simple finish from close range after Dave Bulthuis failed to play the winger offside.
Just before the end it was 5-2 with Ruiter keeping out Pelle’s header, but Tonny Vilhena was on hand to smash into the empty net.
Feyenoord remain four points off the top, while Utrecht will be worried by another heavy home defeat.