Feyenoord kick off busy December with win against PEC

The final month of the year sees Feyenoord play no fewer than six competitive fixtures in 22 days before the winter break begins. First up was PEC Zwolle, a side Feyenoord have a good record against in recent years. The visitors had failed to score on their past seven trips to De Kuip and Dick Advocaat’s side were looking to extend that series to eight.

Feyenoord put in a good first-half display, creating plenty of chances. Back in the starting line-up after an injury layoff, Nicolai Jørgensen shot over from close by, Luis Sinisterra had a goal ruled out for offside and PEC Zwolle keeper Michael Zetterer foiled Steven Berghuis on more than one occasion.

Berghuis did have the last laugh, though. On 23 minutes, left back Tyrell Malacia found him with a low cross, with Berghuis sweeping home. But despite their good play, Feyenoord were unable to add to their lead and the sides went in at the break separated by that single strike from the home skipper.

PEC Zwolle came out looking the brighter of the sides and had the edge over their hosts in the second half. Feyenoord found it hard to create any openings, while the visitors rattled off a string of goal attempts that threatened Nick Marsman’s clean sheet.

Making his first start in the Eredivisie, the home keeper put in a man-of-the-match display, with a number of excellent saves. Thanks to their fledgling keeper’s heroics, Feyenoord were able to protect their lead and take all three points from the match.

Next up is a visit to Arnhem next Sunday, when Vitesse provide the opposition in the Eredivisie (kick-off 12:15 CET).