Feyenoord move up to second with Heracles Almelo win

Referee Bas Nijhuis and his line-running assistant were happy with Sinisterra’s 13th minute strike, but VAR asked Nijhuis to check the video evidence on the sidelines. The referee did not appear to be completely convinced of the need to change his mind, but eventually ruled out the goal. The decision made Feyenoord’s evening harder than it might have been, as Heracles Almelo grabbed the lead scarcely a minute later.

Defensive wall
Striker Sinan Bakis capitalised on a sloppy back pass to net. The goal allowed the visitors to adopt the defensive tactics Feyenoord coach Arne Slot had warned about ahead of the game. Feyenoord reverted to a quick passing game to try to break down the visitors rearguard, a strategy that did bring some success. 

The first half was extended after a serious injury to Ismail Azzaoui and Feyenoord took full advantage. In the eighth minute of time added on Orkun Kökcü punched through to the by-line setting up Sinisterra to score. The Colombian’s second came on 70 minutes. The assist went to Guus Til, who was quick to take a throw-in. Sinisterra slid his shot under keeper Janis Blaswich.

Fortuna next
The game was in the final stages before Heracles Almelo decided to throw caution to the wind in search of an equaliser. That resulted in an exciting finish, but neither side was able to find the back of the net. In the end Feyenoord came away with the three points, leaving them a point behind Ajax at the top of the table. Next up for Feyenoord is a home match against Fortuna Sittard in the Eredivisie on Sunday, kick-off 16:45 CET.