Feyenoord have been knocked out of the European play-offs by Heerenveen 3-2 on aggregate after a 2-2 draw at De Kuip.
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A 1-0 defeat at the Abe Lenstra Stadion midweek had put Feyenoord on the backfoot going into the game and needing the one thing they have struggled with this season, goals. Coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst was not impressed with Colin Kazim-Richards in the first, leg and the striker was replaced in the starting line-up by Anass Achahbar.
The change was justified during the first half with Achahbar directing Rick Karsdorp’s shot into the net on 41 minutes to deservedly draw Feyenoord level in the tie. The home side dominated the second half as they looked for a winner, but Achahbar, Terence Kongolo, and Jens Toornstra missed good chances, while Karim El Ahmadi had a late goal ruled out for offside as Heerenveen held on.
Extra time got off to a terrible start for Feyenoord with substitute Luke Wilkshire going off injured, and with all three changes already made the home side had to play all thirty minutes with ten men. The extra man proved crucial as Mark Uth got behind the Feyenoord defence to put Heerenveen level in the 100th minute, and the German forward then made it 2-1 (3-1 on aggregate) five minutes later with a great volleyed finish.
With ten minutes left Kazim Richards nodded Feyenoord level on the day, but Feyenoord could not find the goal to take it to penalties. Heerenveen will now face Vitesse over two legs for the final Europa League spot, while Feyenoord will not play any European football next season.
no away goal rule in play-offs?
Pathetic! Glad this crappy season has finally ended. Started off good. Surprisingly so. had 3rd place in our hands and then blew it!
This team needs to find stikers asap! We don’t need to be wasting money on more defenders right now. Yes Dijks is a nice player, but we need scoring. Spending money on transfer fees for defenders while low balling Guidetti is stupid! Sign him already!
PS Now that my rant has ended, could someone post a list of revenue generated by each club? last I heard feyenoord was in the 65-70 million range. Would like to know if they are up/down/flat this year….