Ueda’s late brace caps Feyenoord’s 3-2 win over Utrecht at De Kuip
When Ayase Ueda, striker for Feyenoord, unleashed a dramatic 88th‑minute winner, the Dutch Eredivisie saw one of its most nail‑biting finishes at De Kuip in Rotterdam.
Why the match mattered
Both clubs entered the Round 8 clash with very different narratives. Feyenoord were perched atop the table, boasting seven victories from eight games and a perfect 22 points. Their opponents, FC Utrecht, were fighting to climb out of a slump, having dropped five of their last six fixtures and sitting ninth with just ten points.
Match timeline: goals, twists and tactical moves
The early breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Ueda slotted a low drive past the waiting Jeroen Manschot, the referee, had appointed to keep the peace.
Utrecht answered swiftly after the break. Gjivai Zechiël found the net in the 47th minute, leveling the score and sparking a roar from the travelling fans.
Feyenoord’s response was almost instant. Dutch midfielder Sem Steijn twisted a shot into the top corner three minutes later, restoring the lead and reminding everyone why the Rotterdam side are serious title contenders.
Utrecht refused to fold. Late‑stage substitute Derry John Murkin struck in the 83rd minute, making it 2‑2 and setting up a tense finish.
But the drama wasn’t over. With just five minutes left, Ueda curled a header from a corner into the far side of the net, sealing a 3‑2 victory that sent the home crowd into delirium.
Line‑ups and substitutions
Feyenoord started with goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther guarding the posts, a back four of Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Jordan Bos and midfielder Givairo Read. The midfield also featured Oussama Targhaline and Luciano Valente, while the attack was marshalled by Ueda, Leo Sauer and Anis Hadj Moussa.
Key tweaks came in the 70th minute when Jordan Lotomba replaced Read, and again in the 86th minute with Canadian forward Cyle Larin getting a cameo.
Utrecht’s manager shuffled his side repeatedly, trying to find a breakthrough, but the Dutch side’s defensive shape held firm after the 88th minute.
Statistical snapshot
- Ueda: 2 goals (20’, 88’)
- Feyenoord possession: 58%
- Shots on target: Feyenoord 7, Utrecht 5
- Corner kicks: 9 total (Feyenoord 5)
- League standing after match: Feyenoord 1st (22 pts), Utrecht 9th (10 pts)
What the win means for both clubs
For Feyenoord, the three points cement their unbeaten start and keep the pressure on rivals Ajax and PSV. Coach Arne Slot (not marked as primary) can now look ahead to a daunting visit to bottom‑placed Heracles Almelo after the international break.
Utrecht, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly. Their next home game against promoted side FC Volendam offers a chance to stop the slide, but confidence may be dented after conceding a late winner.
Historical context
This victory adds to Feyenoord’s dominance in the head‑to‑head record: 22 wins for Rotterdam versus just four for Utrecht, with eight draws. The club’s recent resurgence mirrors their 2017‑18 title‑winning campaign, where a prolific attack combined with solid defence saw them clinch the league.
Utrecht’s recent form echoes a volatile period in 2022 when they endured three straight defeats before a late-season surge. Whether they can replicate that comeback remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ueda’s brace affect Feyenoord’s title hunt?
Ueda’s two goals not only secured three points but also reinforced Feyenoord’s unbeaten run, widening the gap to second‑placed Ajax to four points. The striker’s form gives Slot a reliable goal‑scorer as the season heads into its decisive phase.
What lessons can FC Utrecht take from the loss?
Utrecht’s ability to equalise twice shows resilience, but defensive lapses in the closing minutes cost them. Coach John van ‘t Seldam (not marked) will likely stress concentration after set‑pieces and the need for a more compact back line.
Who officiated the match and were there any controversial calls?
The referee was Jeroen Manschot. He handed out two yellow cards—both to Utrecht players—but no decisive penalties or disallowed goals, so the match proceeded without major controversy.
What’s next on the Eredivisie calendar for both clubs?
Feyenoord travel to Heracles Almelo on October 12, aiming to extend their lead. Utrecht host FC Volendam on October 18, hoping to snap their losing streak.
How does this result compare to previous Eredivisie clashes between the two sides?
Historically, Feyenoord have dominated, winning 22 of the 34 meetings. This close 3‑2 scoreline is one of the tighter contests, but the outcome still reflects the long‑standing superiority of the Rotterdam club.
Ueda really delivered. That late header turned a tense 2‑2 into a classic De Kuip finish. Feyenoord’s win solidifies their lead at the top, and Utrecht will have to regroup fast. 👍
The decisive moment underscores Ueda’s growing importance to Slot’s tactical setup. Maintaining composure in the final minutes demonstrates the squad’s mental strength, a factor that could prove pivotal in the title race.
It’s encouraging to see a young striker stepping up when it matters most.
Ueda’s brace was pure drama – love it! 😆
Ueda’s two goals were the headline of the match. The first strike at the 20th minute gave Feyenoord an early edge. It seemed like the game would follow a predictable pattern. Utrecht answered quickly after halftime showing resilience. Zechiël’s equaliser revived the home crowd. Steijn’s third‑minute response restored the lead for Rotterdam. The back‑and‑forth kept the tension high. Murkin’s late effort forced a nervous finish. The 83rd minute goal made the scoreboard 2‑2. Both teams pushed for a winner in the final minutes. The corner that led to Ueda’s header was delivered with perfect timing. His jump and header were textbook execution. The net rippled as the ball hit the far post. The stadium erupted as the final whistle blew. This win cements Feyenoord’s position at the summit of the Eredivisie.
While the victory is commendable, one must acknowledge the defensive lapses that allowed Utrecht to equalise twice. Such fragility could be exploited by seasoned rivals.