Feyenoord edge Como 3-2 in Rotterdam as Robert Sanchez own goal proves decisive

Como left Rotterdam empty-handed on Wednesday night after a five-goal contest at Stadion Feijenoord in the second round of the Champions League league stage. An own goal by Robert Sanchez in the 81st minute put Feyenoord two clear, and Douvikas’s reply in the third minute of stoppage time came too late for the Serie A side.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team won despite generating less in front of goal. Their expected goals figure was 0.61 against 1.3 for Como, who also had 52% of the ball and completed 512 passes to Feyenoord’s 450. Both sides had 5 shots on target.

Assane Diao’s opener cancelled inside two minutes

Como struck first. Assane Diao scored in the 18th minute, set up by Jacobo Ramón. The lead did not survive long. Zechiël equalised two minutes later from a Valente assist, and the sides went in level at 1-1.

Zechiël finished with a match rating of 8.2, the highest on the pitch, having had 3 shots and created 2 chances across the full 90 minutes.

Hadj-Moussa and Diarra turn the game after the break

The second half began with a booking for Diarra in the 50th minute. Two minutes later he supplied the pass for Hadj-Moussa to put Feyenoord in front. Hadj-Moussa was the busiest attacker on the night with 5 shots and was rated 8.07.

Como’s discipline then frayed. Ivan Smolcic was booked in the 57th minute, Jacobo Ramón in the 69th and Lucas Da Cunha in the 74th, leaving Fàbregas’s side with three yellow cards to Feyenoord’s two. The fouls count was close, though: 19 by the hosts and 18 by the visitors.

Sanchez’s own goal in the 81st minute appeared to settle it. Givairo Read was cautioned for Feyenoord three minutes later before Douvikas pulled one back deep into stoppage time. There was no equaliser.

Como winless in three before trip to Fiorentina

The defeat extends a difficult spell for the Lombardy club. They have now gone three matches without a win in all competitions, following a 2-0 loss to Frosinone and a goalless draw with AS Roma. That run came straight after wins over Genoa, RB Leipzig and Parma.

Feyenoord, by contrast, are flying. This was a fourth straight victory in all competitions, after beating PEC Zwolle 7-0, Utrecht 5-0 and AZ Alkmaar 2-0. Their only defeat among their last six matches was a 5-1 loss to Barcelona.

The Dutch side return to Eredivisie action away to Telstar on Saturday 17 October. Como are back in Serie A a day later, travelling to Fiorentina on Sunday 18 October.