Feyenoord held off Como 3-2 at De Kuip in an open UEFA Champions League tie that swung on efficiency and one unfortunate own goal. The visitors created the better chances by xG, but Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side turned territory and penalty-box presence into goals. Assane Diao put Como ahead, Gjivai Zechiël and Anis Hadj Moussa replied, and a late Robert Sánchez own goal proved costly before Anastasios Douvikas set up a nervy finish. It was level at half-time, explosive after the break, and settled only in the final minutes. Full match data, timelines and advanced metrics are available on the Sofascore match page and the UEFA Champions League hub.

Key moments that shaped the 3-2

Como struck first on 18 minutes when Assane Diao finished a sweeping move from the left, turning an Álex Valle-Jacobo Ramón supply line into the opener. Feyenoord answered quickly at 20 minutes, with Zechiël timing his run and steering in after good work down the right. The momentum paused when Diao was withdrawn injured on 23 minutes, and the half closed at 1-1 after six home shots to two, but with Como landing the only shots on target in that spell. After half-time, the hosts ramped up pressure in the final third and found reward at 52 minutes as Anis Hadj Moussa powered home low to put them 2-1 up. Chances kept arriving for both sides as substitutes altered the tempo.

The pivotal third goal came on 81 minutes when a Robert Sánchez own goal nudged Feyenoord into a 3-1 lead. Como refused to fold, and Douvikas pulled one back at 90 minutes with a right-foot finish to make it 3-2. With three minutes added, it was tight but controlled enough from the hosts, who cleared their lines and saw it out. Each half carried three minutes of injury time, adding to the tension. Referee Donatas Rumsas managed 37 fouls and five yellows in a match that rarely stopped moving.

What the numbers say

Como held the ball a bit longer at 52 percent possession and finished with the higher expected goals, 1.24 to Feyenoord’s 0.54. They also posted three big chances to the hosts’ none, converting two and missing one. Yet the home side’s shot volume (13-11) and box touches (20-9) told a different story about territory. Both clubs hit the target five times, but Feyenoord rattled the woodwork twice, a reminder of how fine the margins were. Average team ratings reflected the balance: 6.88 for Feyenoord and 6.68 for Como on Sofascore.

Set pieces and service leaned red and white. Feyenoord led corners 4-1 and delivered more accurate crosses, 3 of 10 versus Como’s 1 of 8. Long distribution favored the hosts too, completing 23 of 39 long balls against 13 of 32 for the visitors. Como did clear their lines more often, 22 to 11, which tracked with the home side’s pressure phases. Both goalkeepers recorded three saves, though the net outcomes could not have been more different.

Midfield control and defensive details

Van Bronckhorst’s 4-3-3 worked the right edge and half-spaces, pushing entries into the final third 51-47. Como’s 4-2-3-1 under Cesc Fàbregas was neat between the lines, recording 564 passes to Feyenoord’s 518 and a slight edge in accurate passes, 512-450. On the floor, Como won the overall duel split 51 percent and were notably stronger in successful dribbles, 50 percent to 33 percent. The aerial battle belonged to the hosts, 60 percent to 40 percent, which helped them manage late clearances and long restarts. Tackles won skewed toward Como by percentage, 79 percent to 55 percent, but Feyenoord’s recoveries were higher, 43-40.

The interception trend flipped across halves. Como led 5-1 in first-half interceptions, then the hosts adjusted and posted an 8-5 edge after the break. Feyenoord drew more contact in dangerous areas without being fouled in the final third, while Como earned two such fouls. Offsides bit Feyenoord twice, none for Como, a sign of how high the home line played. All of it added up to a contest of styles: Como’s control and incision versus Feyenoord’s territory and box pressure.

MVP: Anis Hadj Moussa’s direct running made the difference

Anis Hadj Moussa earned an outstanding Sofascore Rating of 8.6, the game’s top mark. He scored the decisive open-play goal at 52 minutes and repeatedly put Como on the back foot with direct carries. His shot chart was busy: five attempts, three on target, plus two that cannoned off the woodwork. He completed 22 carries with 10 progressive bursts and drove a huge chunk of Feyenoord’s territorial gain, reflected in 185 meters of progressive carrying distance. Add 22 accurate passes, steady work out of possession, and you have the most influential attacker on the pitch.

Hadj Moussa’s aggression tilted the shot volume and the field position battle just enough for the hosts. Around him, the supporting cast delivered timely moments. Gjivai Zechiël’s equalizer at 20 minutes and two key passes underlined his 8.1 Sofascore Rating. At the other end, Como’s bright sparks included Diao’s cool opener and Douvikas’ late finish, but the margins narrowed to a single sequence at 81 minutes that went against them.

Goalkeepers and fine margins

Tjark Ernst posted three saves for Feyenoord, finishing close to par on goals prevented at -0.03. His passing from the back was tidy and helped manage late pressure. For Como, Robert Sánchez also made three saves, yet his outing swung on one unlucky moment, plus a goals-prevented figure of -1.93. Como’s defensive unit put in a shift with 22 clearances, but the own goal and a pair of Feyenoord strikes from low-xG positions proved decisive. The data shows both sides generated similar shots on target; the conversion and incidents told the rest.

Como’s creators were active. Nico Paz led intricate play with two key passes and 71 touches, while Martín Baturina drew fouls and stitched midfield phases. Álex Valle delivered a key pass from left-back and pushed high with 27 carries. On the home side, Mika Mármol’s distribution and last-man tackle were key, even with one error leading to a goal on the sheet. Across 90 minutes and six added, this was a story of small episodes shaping a big result.

Tactical notes and halves split