ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS — Second-placed Feyenoord salvaged a hard-fought 1-1 draw against eighth-placed FC Twente at De Kuip, maintaining their 31-point tally despite finishing the match with nine men following Luciano Valente's dismissal in the 75th minute. The result kept Feyenoord in the title race but represented a missed opportunity to close the gap at the top, while FC Twente will rue their inability to capitalize on overwhelming territorial dominance.
Daan Rots gave the visitors a deserved early lead in the 19th minute, finishing clinically with his left foot from the right side of the box after a precise assist from Bart van Rooij. The goal rewarded FC Twente's aggressive start and set the tone for what would become a siege on the Feyenoord goal. The home side struggled to find their rhythm against Joseph Oosting's well-organized visitors, who pressed high and controlled possession throughout the opening period. Feyenoord's equalizer finally arrived in the 74th minute through Gonçalo Borges, who unleashed a spectacular right-footed strike from the right side of the box that flew into the top left corner. Anel Ahmedhodzic provided the crucial through ball that unlocked FC Twente's defense, and Borges' clinical finish breathed life into De Kuip just when the home faithful feared the worst.
The tactical battle heavily favored FC Twente, with Mathias Kjølø and Thomas van den Belt dominating the midfield exchanges against Hwang In-Beom and Quinten Timber. Robin Pröpper and Stav Lemkin marshaled the FC Twente defense effectively, limiting Ayase Ueda's influence up front. However, the standout performer was undoubtedly Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther, who produced a heroic performance between the posts. The German shot-stopper made crucial saves to deny Sam Lammers, Ricky van Wolfswinkel, and substitute Marko Pjaca as FC Twente launched wave after wave of attacks.
FC Twente enjoyed the majority of possession at 54.2% and peppered the Feyenoord goal with 29 attempts compared to the hosts' 10 shots. The visitors registered 11 shots on target to Feyenoord's four, while also winning 12 corners to seven. Despite their statistical dominance, FC Twente lacked the cutting edge to convert their superiority into goals, with Wellenreuther's 10 saves proving the difference between one point and three for the visitors.
The turning point arrived in the 75th minute when Luciano Valente received his second yellow card for a foul on Daan Rots, reducing Feyenoord to ten men. The situation worsened for Brian Priske's side when they were reduced to nine men shortly after, forcing them into desperate defensive mode for the final stages. FC Twente threw everything forward in the dying minutes, with Daan Rots heading narrowly wide in the 89th minute and Robin Pröpper missing from close range during stoppage time, but Feyenoord held firm through sheer determination and Wellenreuther's brilliance.
Looking ahead, Feyenoord will host Heerenveen on January 11, while FC Twente travel to face Ajax Amsterdam on January 17.