Feyenoord rewarded for style and spirit against Slavia Prague
Feyenoord defeated Slavia Prague at De Kuip on Thursday night to climb to the top of Europa Conference League Group E table after two rounds. Goals from Orkun Kökcü and Bryan Linssen ensured Arne Slot’s men came out on top against the Czechs 2-1.
The hosts started brightly and maintained a high tempo throughout the first half, giving Slavia Prague scant chance to keep hold of the ball and putting them under pressure when in possession themselves. That led to two early strikes for Feyenoord.
Orkun Kökcü opened the scoring after 13 minutes. The midfielder, playing a holding role to great effect both with and without the ball, netted with a shot from the edge of the box. Bryan Linssen doubled the margin ten minutes later when he powered in a header from a Tyrell Malacia cross.
The home side took it down a notch in the second half, albeit without giving too many nailed-on chances away. The visitors did get a goal back from a Tomás Holes free kick, but they were mostly kept quiet. Slavia did almost pull off an unlikely escape, but Malacia got back to clear off the line and Feyenoord rode out the rest of the game.
Next up for Feyenoord is a trip to Vitesse on Sunday (kick-off 16:45 CET) ahead of the second international break of the season.