In a riveting European showdown, Feyenoord struck first in the night’s contest as Tsuyoshi Watanabe powered home a sensational header in the 41st minute — though the manner of the goal has sparked controversy.
The drama unfolded when Feyenoord’s goalkeeper attempted to claim a cross outside the penalty area, mistakenly believing a free-kick had been awarded for a handball against Ueda. The referee disagreed and instead awarded Feyenoord a free-kick for the alleged handball. Hwang delivered a pinpoint cross, and Watanabe rose majestically to nod past a stranded keeper Irfan at the near post.
Fenerbahçe’s players reacted angrily, feeling wronged by the officiating. Nevertheless, Feyenoord took the advantage, firmly positioned as 3-1 leaders on aggregate.
Earlier exchanges had been tense: Ayase Ueda produced an eye-catching bit of skill, weaving space out of thin air before seeing his shot well saved. The referee then whistled for a foul — though the timing of the call sparked debate among onlookers.
Fener’s Amrabat then surged forward from midfield, threatening a breakthrough. Watanabe tracked back smartly and attempted a backpass that looped toward the goal. Feyenoord’s keeper Wellenreuther managed a scrambling touch that redirected the ball just wide — narrowly avoiding what might have been an embarrassing own-goal.
As the first half drew to a close, tension crackled through the stadium. Feyenoord now hold a slender advantage, but with the tone set by refereeing disputes and dazzling individual plays, anything could unfold as the second half kicks off.
In Summary
Watanabe’s towering header from a hotly debated free-kick gave Feyenoord the lead and extended their aggregate edge. Fenerbahçe were left seething, questioning the referee’s decision-making, while signs of brilliance and drama on both sides hint at more twists still to come.
