Feyenoord Secures 3-2 Champions League Victory Against Como
Feyenoord defeated Como 3-2, overcoming a difficult start to gain better control through tactical adjustments on the right flank according to Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst noted that his side initially struggled to cope with Como’s unexpected player positioning during the opening phase. “You expect how a team is going to play, but we had to switch because they had a slightly different lineup,” Van Bronckhorst told Ziggo Sport. “Especially with their possession, we had some trouble, and they profited from that.”
Feyenoord quickly leveled the score, which allowed the hosts to settle into their intended tactical framework. Van Bronckhorst explained that shifting the ball through the central defenders created necessary time for defensive cover against Como midfielder Paz, whom Feyenoord managed primarily through central defenders stepping up to challenge him.
Right Flank Partnership Drives Second-Half Momentum
As the match progressed into the second half, Feyenoord capitalized on increasing spaces created by their lead. The combination of Read and Zechiël on the right side caused tactical doubts for the opponent that Feyenoord could profit from. Van Bronckhorst highlighted the effectiveness of that right-sided partnership, noting that Hadj Moussa found significant room to operate once Feyenoord established an advantage. Spanish media outlets compared Hadj Moussa’s playing style and acceleration to former Dutch winger Arjen Robben, a comparison the Feyenoord manager acknowledged after observing similar defensive headaches caused by the winger’s speed.
Luciano Valente Exits With Stiffness
The victory was tempered by the second-half withdrawal of midfielder Luciano Valente, who left the pitch due to muscle stiffness. Van Bronckhorst stated that the coaching staff chose not to take unnecessary risks with the player, leaving his availability for upcoming fixtures dependent on medical evaluations.
Despite the late concession of a second goal that brought Como within reach, Feyenoord held on to secure the three points in Rotterdam. Rijnmond and VoetbalPrimeur noted that the atmosphere at De Kuip provided a nostalgic backdrop, with Van Bronckhorst recalling his own memories of the club’s European fixtures dating back to 1997.
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