Feyenoord is doing golden business with victory in derby at Sparta in the hunt for national title | Dutch football

Igor Paixao’s quick goal caused great joy in the stands of the Castle, where many supporters of the leader had also found a place outside the away section. Shortly after the 0-0 of competitor Ajax in Deventer against Go Ahead Eagles, Feyenoord immediately struck itself. Paixao, the replacement for the suspended Oussama Idrissi, shot in hard and high after he had caught a corner punched away by keeper Nick Olij. Feyenoord controlled the game until the equalizer came relatively out of the blue. Mica Pinto came in from the right and shot the ball behind keeper Timon Wellenreuther into the top corner. A nice goal that ensured that Feyenoord had to hunt for a goal again.

There was a chance for Alireza Jahanbakhsh who shot just wide, but Sparta in particular went to the dressing room with his head bowed. A counter with Joshua Kitolano and Vito van Crooij should have resulted in the 2-1. Van Crooij stranded in free position on Timon Wellenreuther. Paixao came into possession, but the small Brazilian immediately caused problems for his team again by suffering unnecessary loss of possession. Van Crooij’s cross hit Mats Wieffer’s arm and referee Dennis Higler was strict and pointed to the spot. Van Crooij again stranded on Wellenreuther, who, after his save in the Arena on Mohammed Kudus’ shot, once again had an extremely important reflex.

Spartan Mike Eerdhuijzen also had that shortly after the break. Paixao completely cleared Sebastian Szymanski in front of goal, but the Pole failed to capitalize on the giant chance. Eerdhuijzen blocked the bet and kept the 1-1 on the scoreboard.

Sparta was defeated, especially when David Hancko worked the 1-3 behind Olij moments later and celebrated that goal with the full reserve bench. The hardest match on paper in the last series of eight matches did not cause any damage. The supporters sang ‘Feyenoord, Feyenoord, we will be champions’. And there will be fewer and fewer people who doubt that. Not even in Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Alkmaar.