Vitesse fail to take it all against Feyenoord

Sunday 30 November 2008

Feyenoord have not stuck away the elimination from the UEFA Cup on Thursday very well, as the team was a shambles for most of the game against Vitesse on Sunday and were very fortunate to get away with a draw.

The Rotterdammers had a hopeful start in Arnhem, when they took the lead after only three minutes.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Luigi Bruins set up Roy Makaay who beat keeper Piet Velthuizen at his near post with a surprising flick.

It was the fifth goal in five league games for Makaay.

After the early opener Feyenoord seemed to be heading for an easy afternoon.

The Vitesse defenders were making a meal of each clearance, but Feyenoord failed to score a second and decide the game at an early stage.

Then the home team started to fight back and got themselves back in the match again.

They had a handful of chances before the break but even though Feyenoord goal keeper Henk Timmer and center backs Bahia and Hofland were very willing to illustrate where Feyenoord's problem lay this season Vitesse refused to benefit.

After the break Vitesse remained the better side but they got no further than the well deserved equalizer in the 77th minute.

The hosts then went looking for more but had to allow Leroy Fer the best chance to score the winner.

The young Feyenoord midfielder was denied by Velthuizen.