On April 2, 2025, Feyenoord faced FC Groningen in a crucial Eredivisie match at the iconic Kuip stadium. With the stakes high, Feyenoord aimed to secure a victory to climb into the top three of the league standings, especially after PSV's recent loss to Ajax opened the door for them to challenge for second place. The match was originally scheduled for March 8 but was postponed due to Feyenoord's European commitments against Inter Milan.
The game kicked off at 20:00, and it didn't take long for Feyenoord to assert their dominance. Just ten minutes in, Anis Hadj Moussa opened the scoring, cutting in from the right and slotting the ball into the near post to give the home side a 1-0 lead. The early goal energized the crowd and set the tone for an exciting first half.
Feyenoord continued to press, and their efforts paid off again in the 33rd minute when Igor Paixão scored a stunning goal. After receiving a pass from Moder, Paixão dribbled into the box and curled a beautiful shot into the top corner, making it 2-0. The Brazilian was in fine form, having already made a significant impact in recent matches.
However, FC Groningen was not to be outdone. Just four minutes after Paixão's goal, Jorg Schreuders pulled one back for the visitors in the 37th minute. Schreuders capitalized on a well-placed cross from Wouter Prins, tapping the ball home to reduce the deficit to 2-1. The match was shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams creating chances.
As the first half drew to a close, Feyenoord seemed poised to extend their lead further. In the 45th minute, Carranza thought he had scored a third goal, but it was disallowed for offside after a VAR check, leaving the score at 2-1 as the teams headed to the locker room.
During halftime, FC Groningen supporters paid tribute to former striker Peter Houtman, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. A large banner reading 'Topschutter aan de Zaagmuldersweg' was displayed, alongside a heartfelt rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" sung by both sets of fans.
The second half began with a substitution for FC Groningen, as Marvin Peersman came on for Wouter Prins. The visitors started to find their rhythm, looking more dangerous than they had in the first half. In the 48th minute, Schreuders had an excellent opportunity to equalize, but his shot was blocked by the resolute Feyenoord defense.
Feyenoord's coach, Robin van Persie, made a triple substitution in the 65th minute, bringing on Zerrouki, Osman, and Ueda for Milambo, Hwang, and Carranza. This tactical shift saw Paixão move into midfield, aiming to regain control as Groningen began to apply more pressure.
In the 59th minute, Feyenoord suffered a setback when Thomas Beelen was forced to leave the pitch due to an ankle injury, replaced by Gernot Trauner. This change added an element of uncertainty as Feyenoord sought to maintain their lead.
Despite the changes, the match remained intensely competitive. FC Groningen was increasingly pushing forward, creating several chances, although they struggled to find the back of the net. In the 68th minute, Brynjolfur Willumsson came on for Leandro Bacuna, further bolstering Groningen's attacking options.
Feyenoord, however, held firm, with goalkeeper Wellenreuther making crucial saves to deny the visitors. The home side's defense, though tested, managed to keep the scoreline in their favor as the minutes ticked away.
As the match approached its conclusion, Feyenoord fans were on the edge of their seats, hoping for a final whistle that would confirm their victory. FC Groningen continued to fight hard, but they were unable to find an equalizer, and the match ended with Feyenoord securing a vital 2-1 win.
This victory not only boosted Feyenoord's position in the Eredivisie but also showcased their resilience and determination in a match that had moments of brilliance and intense competition. With this win, Feyenoord moved closer to the coveted Champions League qualifying spots, igniting hopes for the remainder of the season.
Looking ahead, Feyenoord will be eager to build on this performance as they continue their campaign in the Eredivisie, while FC Groningen will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming fixtures to climb the league table.
