Algerian winger Anis Hadj Moussa’s return marked by key contribution as Feyenoord fall to late Nimegen surge

Anis Hadj Moussa delivered an immediate impact on his return from international duty, setting up a goal for Feyenoord, yet his side ultimately collapsed late in the contest as Nimegen claimed a 4–2 victory.

The Algerian winger’s assist — his second of the season — briefly helped steady the match, but Feyenoord were undone in the closing stages.

Hadj Moussa was withdrawn in the 76th minute with the score level at 2–2, having played his part in shaping what had been, until then, a tightly fought encounter.

His influence on the left flank had offered Feyenoord a valuable outlet, and his decisive pass gave the home side hope of regaining control after a turbulent opening spell.

But the match took a sharp turn in the final minutes.

With Feyenoord pushing to reclaim momentum, Nimegen capitalised on defensive lapses, scoring twice late on to seal all three points.

The collapse stunned the home crowd and left the team reflecting on a missed opportunity to keep pace with PSV Eindhoven, who remain firmly in command at the top of the league.

For Hadj Moussa, the evening was a mixture of individual satisfaction and collective frustration.

His ability to link play, stretch the defence, and create chances once again demonstrated the progress he has made since earning international recognition.

The assist added to a growing list of influential performances, suggesting that he continues to develop into a consistent contributor for Feyenoord.

However, the team’s defensive vulnerabilities overshadowed those positives.

After equalising earlier in the match and appearing to gain control, Feyenoord were unable to maintain their composure or match Nimegen’s late intensity.

The visitors’ sharp finishing and aggressive pressing exposed gaps in Feyenoord’s back line, particularly after the withdrawal of several attacking players, including Hadj Moussa.

The defeat now places added pressure on Feyenoord’s upcoming fixtures, with points becoming increasingly vital if they are to prevent PSV from building an unassailable lead in the standings.

The setback also raises questions about squad depth and late-game management, issues that will likely feature prominently in the days ahead.

Despite the disappointing result, Hadj Moussa’s contribution offered a clear highlight.

His continued development, especially following his recent international commitments, remains encouraging for both club and country.

What began as a promising evening ultimately ended in frustration for Feyenoord, but the Algerian’s sharp return stands out as a reminder of his growing influence within the team.