Feyenoord Defeats Como 1907 in Champions League Thriller
Feyenoord secured a 3-2 victory over Como 1907 at De Kuip, navigating a complex tactical setup from opposing coach Cesc Fàbregas. fr12.nl reported that Feyenoord had to solve a series of strategic puzzles on the pitch after Como deployed midfielder Nico Paz as a false nine and shifted personnel to block the Dutch side’s dangerous right flank.
Tactical Adjustments by Cesc Fàbregas
Fàbregas arrived in Rotterdam with a detailed tactical plan, according to an analysis by Pieter Zwart cited by fr12.nl. By utilizing Nico Paz as a central striker instead of a traditional number nine, Como aimed to pull Feyenoord central defender Mármol out of position when Targhalline pressed forward. The movement was designed to create space for fast right-winger Diao to exploit, a sequence that directly led to Como’s opening goal. On the opposite side of the pitch, Como attempted to shut down Feyenoord’s potent right-side combination of Givairo Read, Gjivai Zechiël, and Anis Hadj Moussa. To counter their threat, Fàbregas deployed a traditional left-back, Kaiki, as a left-winger to provide double coverage against Hadj Moussa. Despite the defensive adjustments, Hadj Moussa remained a decisive factor, repeatedly breaking through the double-team with the assistance of overlapping runs from right-back Read. Two opponents faced Hadj Moussa, but he still managed to be decisive. Hadj Moussa was very close to a transfer to Saudi Arabia this summer, and when that fell through, the Algerian quickly switched his mindset.
Player Reactions and Squad Updates After the Match
Following the final whistle, midfielder Gjivai Zechiël praised the atmosphere in De Kuip and the team’s relentless work rate. “Supporters behind, the team ‘started’. Really nice,” Zechiël told NOS, reflecting on the team’s quick response after conceding the opening goal. He also highlighted the standout performance of teammate Anis Hadj Moussa, describing him as a player suited for the top tier of European football. On the Rotterdam right flank, Hadj Moussa maintains a well-functioning partnership with Givairo Read. Zechiël noted that instead of praising Hadj Moussa directly to keep him grounded, “Then he gets upset and is all over it.” Midfielder Luciano Valente was substituted at halftime as a precautionary measure. Coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst addressed the change in a post-match press conference covered by NOS, stating, “Luciano felt something during the first half. He could have continued, but we didn’t want to take any chances.” The club planned to evaluate the extent of Valente’s discomfort the following day. Meanwhile, Feyenoord turns its attention to domestic play, preparing for an Eredivisie away fixture against Telstar.
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