Robin van Persie’s Feyenoord finally registered their first Eredivisie victory of 2026, edging past Heracles Almelo 4-2 at De Kuip.
The Rotterdam side arrived on the back of a 3-0 UEFA Europa League win over Austrian champions Sturm Graz and knew that only a win would secure their hold on second place in the Eredivisie after Ajax’s 2-0 triumph against FC Volendam on Saturday.
Feyenoord welcomed the return of top scorer Ayase Ueda from injury, while right-back Mats Deijl made his debut following his transfer from Go Ahead Eagles.
They faced a Heracles side struggling for form, having lost five of their previous six matches, with their only recent victory coming against amateur side Hoogeveen in the KNVB Beker.
The opening 20 minutes were cagey, with Feyenoord creating just one real chance—Deijl’s header failed to beat Heracles goalkeeper Fabian de Keijzer. Ueda initially thought he had broken the deadlock, but VAR ruled his goal out for a handball.
It was Slovakian youngster Leo Sauer who finally put Feyenoord ahead in the 23rd minute with a precise header. The lead lasted only five minutes, as Australian full-back Jordan Bos fouled Lequincio Zeefuik in the box, allowing Luka Kulenovic to equalize from the penalty spot.
Bos quickly made amends by powering a shot through De Keijzer’s legs, restoring Feyenoord’s lead just before the half-hour mark. Despite Kulenovic having another chance shortly after, his one-on-one effort with Timon Wellenreuther went wide, keeping Feyenoord in front.
The game’s intensity dipped until the closing stages. In the 85th minute, Anis Hadj Moussa curled a sublime effort into the top-left corner, putting Feyenoord 3-1 up. A minute later, Danish striker Casper Tengstedt sealed the win, chipping De Keijzer with calm precision.
Heracles managed a late consolation in the fourth minute of stoppage time, as Tristan van Gilst converted a cross from Djevencio van der Kust to make it 4-2.
With this win, Feyenoord ended a four-game winless run in the Eredivisie and reclaimed second place ahead of their final Europa League group fixture against Real Betis.
