Van Persie’s Feyenoord stuns Fenerbahce with late winner in Champions League clash

Feyenoord, coached by former Manchester United and Fenerbahce striker Robin van Persie, secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Türkiye’s Fenerbahce in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round on Tuesday night.

The Dutch side took the lead in the 19th minute through Quinten Timber, who beat Fred with a sharp dribble before firing into the net from outside the box.

Despite increased pressure in the second half, Fenerbahce managed to level the score in the 86th minute with a powerful strike from Sofyan Amrabat after a deflected cross fell to him on the right side of the penalty area.

Head coach Robin van Persie of Feyenoord holds a press conference after the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round first leg match against Fenerbahce, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands on August 06, 2025. (AA Photo)

However, Feyenoord clinched victory in stoppage time. In the 90+1st minute, Bos delivered a cross from the left flank that found Moussa at the far post, and the forward made no mistake with his header to make it 2-1.

The match was officiated by Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg and played at Feyenoord’s De Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam.

The return leg will be held in Istanbul on Aug. 12. The winner of this tie will face either Benfica or Nice in the playoff round.

Players of Fenerbahce celebrate after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round first leg match between Fenerbahce and Feyenoord, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands on August 06, 2025. (AA Photo)

Match summary

• 19’ Timber beats Fred and scores from left outside the box. 1-0
• 30’ Moussa fires wide from distance.
• 41’ Brown goes one-on-one with Wellenreuther, but the keeper denies him.
• 69’ Hwang’s free kick is parried by Irfan; the defense clears the danger.
• 86’ Amrabat equalizes with a rocket off the bar after Brown’s deflected cross. 1-1
• 90+1’ Bos crosses to Moussa, who heads in the winner. 2-1

August 07, 2025 12:05 PM GMT+03:00