Feyenoord secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Como in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, with an own goal and a late strike from the visitors making for a tense finish at De Kuip.
Assane Diao gave Como the lead in the 18th minute after finishing a move involving Álex Valle and Jacobo Ramón.
Feyenoord responded almost immediately, with Gjivai Zechiël restoring parity two minutes later following a well-worked attacking move.
The score remained 1-1 at half-time, despite opportunities for both sides. Como suffered an early setback when goalscorer Diao was forced off with an injury in the 23rd minute.
Feyenoord took the lead seven minutes into the second half when Anis Hadj Moussa struck in the 52nd minute to put the hosts ahead.
The forward’s direct attacking play continued to trouble Como’s defence as the home side pressed for another goal.
The hosts extended their advantage in the 81st minute when goalkeeper Robert Sánchez turned the ball into his own net, leaving Como with a two-goal deficit to overcome.
Como refused to give up and reduced the deficit in the 90th minute through Anastasios Douvikas, setting up a nervy conclusion.
However, Feyenoord held on during the closing minutes to secure all three points.
Despite the defeat, Como enjoyed 52 per cent possession and recorded a higher expected goals figure of 1.24 compared with Feyenoord’s 0.54.
The visitors also created three big chances, while the hosts registered none.
Feyenoord, however, made better use of their attacking opportunities, recording 13 shots to Como’s 11 and hitting the woodwork twice.
The hosts also had more touches in the opposition box, underlining their ability to create pressure in dangerous areas.
Hadj Moussa was the standout performer for Feyenoord, scoring the decisive second-half goal and repeatedly threatening the visitors’ defence.
Zechiël also played an important role, finding the net to help the hosts recover from their early setback.
For Como, Diao’s opening goal and Douvikas’ late finish offered bright moments, but defensive lapses ultimately proved costly as Feyenoord claimed a narrow victory in an entertaining European encounter.
