Feyenoord turns a deficit against AZ into a victory in no time

NOS Football•yesterday, 10:59 PM

View the summary of Feyenoord – AZ

With Justin Bijlow on target for the first time this season, Feyenoord has recovered in the top match against AZ three days after the painful loss in the Classic. The Rotterdam team came back from a 0-1 deficit in a matter of minutes. It ended up being 3-2.

Coach Brian Priske’s team is now fourth in the Premier League, with the same number of points as FC Utrecht and one more match played. AZ sees the gap at the top growing.

For Feyenoord it was important to regain the good feeling from before that Wednesday in Rotterdam after the defeat against Ajax (0-2). Before that, the Rotterdam team won successively against Girona (2-3), FC Twente (2-1), Go Ahead Eagles (1-5), Benfica (1-3) and FC Utrecht (0-2).

The Rotterdam team made the play against AZ in the first half hour, but could not impress and created few big chances. Only Luka Ivanusec was close to a goal with a great shot.

AZ once ventured forward, Feyenoord defender Thomas Beelen lost sight of David Møller Wolfe and he gave Troy Parrott an unmissable opportunity: 0-1.

With that lead, AZ virtually overcame Feyenoord in the Premier League and through Sven MIjnans the visitors even had a chance to make it 0-2. The midfielder headed over from close range.

Feyenoord initially muddled along, but was still able to turn around. A cross from Igor Paixão was turned into his own goal by David Møller Wolfe in the 61st minute and two minutes later Ivanusec made it 2-1, making his first start in the Premier League since August 10.

The mood in De Kuip suddenly changed completely. Feyenoord substitute Ibrahim Osman made it 3-1 with a half bicycle kick and AZ substitute Mexx Meerdink tapped in the late tying goal. AZ didn’t come any closer. The Alkmaarders have not won seven matches (in all competitions).

The happiest man of the evening was without a doubt Justin Bijlow. The Feyenoord goalkeeper had lost his familiar place between the posts under new coach Priske to Timon Wellenreuther, but was given a new chance against AZ at the expense of Wellenreuther, who had passed.

“I’m happy that I can play again,” Bijlow said. “It was not the easiest period, but I continued to train hard and hope for an opportunity. It came. Now full speed ahead again.”

Watch the reactions of Justin Bijlow, Brian Priske, AZ coach Maarten Martens and AZ midfielder Sven Mijnans below: