Fenerbahce suffers a disappointing loss to Feyenoord due to a last-minute goal in their Champions League encounter, courtesy of Van Persie.
In an electrifying turn of events in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round, Fenerbahce managed to eliminate Feyenoord and secure their place in the playoff round after a thrilling 5-2 victory in the return leg in Istanbul on August 12, 2025.
The first leg, held in Rotterdam on an earlier date, had seen Feyenoord secure a 2-1 win, setting the stage for an exciting second encounter.
The match, officiated by Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg, began with a tense atmosphere, and it wasn't until the 19th minute that Quinten Timber opened the scoring for Feyenoord with a goal at De Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam.
Fenerbahce responded in the 30th minute when Moussa fired wide from distance, and the momentum seemed to shift in their favour. However, it wasn't until the 41st minute that they had a clear chance, with Brown having a one-on-one opportunity, but the keeper, Wellenreuther, denied him.
The turning point came in the 86th minute when Amrabat equalized with a powerful strike off the bar, following a deflected cross from Brown. The crowd erupted as the score was leveled, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
In the 90+1st minute, Bos crossed from the left flank, and Moussa headed in the winning goal, securing Fenerbahce's place in the next round.
With this victory, Fenerbahce have earned the right to face either Benfica or Nice in the playoff round. The exact date and location for this match have yet to be announced.
This thrilling comeback by Fenerbahce marked the end of Feyenoord's Champions League qualifiers, with their dreams of reaching the group stage shattered in Istanbul on August 12, 2025.
[1] UEFA Champions League Official Website [2] UEFA Champions League Match Schedule [3] Fenerbahce Official Website [4] Feyenoord Official Website
- Amidst the celebration of Fenerbahce's thrilling comeback, it's now speculated that the Turkish economy may see a boost due to increased tourism, as sports enthusiasts around the world admire their triumph in Istanbul.
- While Fenerbahce is gearing up for their playoff round against an opponent yet to be determined, Russia eagerly awaits the outcome, hoping for a Turkish team to join FC Krasnodar in the group stage of this year's UEFA Champions League.
- Meanwhile, Turkey's football stars are being celebrated throughout Turkiye, with Moussa's game-winning header against Feyenoord becoming a legendary moment in Turkish sports history.
