Feyenoord showcased their dominance with a resounding 3-0 victory over Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League group stage match held on November 22, 2023. The match took place at Feyenoord's home ground, bringing joy to their fans and adding another chapter to the storied history of European football.
Japanese striker Kiyoshi Ueda made headlines with his stellar performance, coming off the bench and scoring one of the three goals. Ueda, who had recently returned from injury, stepped onto the field during the 83rd minute when the score was already 2-0. Just moments later, he demonstrated his skill and composure by netting the ball past Bayern's legendary goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, enhancing his season tally to five goals.
The match unfolded dramatically, particularly with Ueda's goal arriving just six minutes after his entry. A pivotal play initiated with forward Gimenez, who had already scored twice, led to Ueda's moment of glory. After Gimenez was brought down, midfielder Milambo seized the opportunity, advancing the ball before executing a precise through-pass to Ueda. Displaying remarkable confidence, Ueda observed Neuer's movements and skillfully slotted the ball to the left of the goalkeeper.
This goal marked Ueda’s second Champions League goal and came shortly after his recovery from a significant hamstring injury sustained last October. The 26-year-old had only returned to action on November 18, 2023, during Feyenoord's league match against Willem II, making his contribution to this CL game all the more remarkable.
Feyenoord's strong offensive display was evident throughout the match, with Gimenez leading the early charge by scoring twice within the first half. The win not only expressed Feyenoord's strength but also ensured their progression to the knockout stage of the tournament. With 13 points from their initial seven matches — four wins, one draw, and two losses — the team secured their spot with one match to spare.
The victory against Bayern Munich was particularly sweet, considering the history and pride associated with both clubs. Bayern, known for their successful history and formidable squad, faced challenges against Feyenoord's relentless style of play. The emphatic victory did not just boost Feyenoord's confidence but illustrated their potential to compete at the highest level within European football.
Looking forward, Feyenoord aims to continue building on this momentum as they prepare for their final group match. The team, comprised of key players such as Rei Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Daizen Maeda from Celtic, is optimistic and eager to advance. Hatate played the full match, contributing to Celtic's own victory over Young Boys, serving as a reminder of the talented pool of Japanese players making waves across European football.
The triumphant spirit at Feyenoord's home echoed through the stadium, leaving fans hopeful of more such performances. Ueda and the team now focus on maintaining their upward momentum as they navigate the next stages of the tournament.