Feyenoord demonstrated their resilience by securing a resounding victory over PEC Zwolle, recovering from their recent loss against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Arne Slot‘s team triumphed with a 2-0 win in Zwolle, thanks to two goals from Santiago Gimenez.
After the intense match in Madrid, Feyenoord faced uncertainty about their performance. However, they rose to the occasion, even without the services of Gernot Trauner due to injury. In his absence, Lutsharel Geertruida took on the central defensive role while Bart Nieuwkoop covered the right back position. Additionally, Yankubah Minteh was chosen over Ramiz Zerrouki and started as a right winger, while Calvin Stengs dropped back into a deeper role.
PEC Zwolle manager Johnny Jansen faced his own challenges, as Lennart Thy and Ferdy Druijff, who were responsible for four of Zwolle’s seven goals this season, were unavailable. Furthermore, Captain Bram van Polen’s absence due to knee issues further weakened the team. In their place, Jansen handed Dean Huiberts and Tolis Vellios starting positions in the forward line.
Feyenoord started the match with an attacking mentality, aiming to create chances through fast-paced gameplay. However, they struggled to convert their opportunities into goals. Minteh was particularly unfortunate, as his shot was saved by Zwolle goalkeeper Jasper Schendelaar. Nevertheless, Gimenez capitalised on a defensive lapse from PEC and Schendelaar to score with a powerful half-volley, granting Feyenoord a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Feyenoord maintained the initiative, though they failed to generate many clear-cut chances. A defensive error from PEC allowed Quinten Timber to head the ball to Gimenez, who instinctively fired it past the goalkeeper, extending Feyenoord’s lead to 2-0. This impressive feat brought Gimenez’s goal tally to twelve in just eight games, surpassing the records of club icons Cor van der Gijp and Ove Kindvall, who both scored eleven goals in eight games during the 1960s.
PEC had a glimmer of hope when Huiberts had an opportunity to score after an hour of play, but Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther denied his effort. As the match neared its conclusion, Slot introduced Zerrouki, Leo Sauer, Alireza Jahanbaksch, and former PEC player Thomas Beelen. Despite a challenging week, Feyenoord struggled to maintain their tempo and sharpness. Nonetheless, PEC lacked the quality to trouble the reigning champions, allowing Feyenoord to secure a convincing victory.
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