Feyenoord have been knocked out of the European play-offs by Heerenveen 3-2 on aggregate after a 2-2 draw at De Kuip.

feyhee clasdeA 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.




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