Anis Hadj Moussa’s last-minute heroics handed Feyenoord a 2-1 victory over Fenerbahçe in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round clash on Wednesday night.
The Algerian winger proved to be the match-winner in Rotterdam, scoring a dramatic goal in the dying minutes to tilt the balance in Feyenoord’s favour ahead of the second leg in Istanbul next week.
The evening began brightly for the Dutch side, who took the lead in the first half through an unfortunate own goal by Turkish international Mert Müldür.
The Fenerbahçe defender inadvertently turned the ball into his own net under pressure, giving Feyenoord a 1-0 advantage at the break.
Backed by the tactical guidance of José Mourinho, Fenerbahçe emerged more aggressive in the second half, looking to draw level.
Their persistence paid off in the 86th minute when Moroccan international Sofyan Amrabat capitalised on a rare lapse in Feyenoord’s defensive organisation to slot home the equaliser, seemingly salvaging a draw for the visitors.
However, Feyenoord had one final twist in store.
With just moments left on the clock, Australian full-back Jordan Bos surged down the flank and delivered a precise pass to Hadj Moussa, who made no mistake.
The Algerian’s finish was clinical, powering the ball past the goalkeeper and into the net to seal a crucial win for the home side.
Hadj Moussa’s decisive performance comes shortly after Feyenoord extended his contract, a move now appearing increasingly shrewd.
His contribution underlined not only his ability to rise to the occasion but also his growing importance to the team’s European ambitions.
The win gives the Eredivisie outfit a slender advantage going into the return fixture, scheduled for Tuesday, 12 August, in Istanbul, where Fenerbahçe will be hoping for a response on home turf.
Feyenoord’s victory also marks a significant step in their campaign to return to the Champions League group stage, while Mourinho’s side now faces an uphill task to overturn the deficit in the second leg.
With tension set to rise in the return leg, all eyes will be on whether Hadj Moussa can replicate his magic—or if Mourinho’s experience can tip the balance in Fenerbahçe’s favour.
Minute 90+1….
ANIS HADJ MOUSSAAAAAA! 🤯#feyfen 2-1 pic.twitter.com/f2tXulinFs
— Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) August 6, 2025
