Feyenoord needed a late penalty to edge past Go Ahead Eagles 1-0, with winger Anis Hadj Moussa playing a decisive attacking role in a match that remained tightly contested until stoppage time.
In a game that struggled to open up for long periods, Feyenoord’s breakthrough eventually came from the spot through Casper Tengstedt, sealing victory after sustained late pressure.
Despite not registering a goal or assist, Hadj Moussa emerged as one of the most influential players in Robin van Persie’s setup, repeatedly stretching the opposition and helping to tilt the balance in Feyenoord’s favour.
The Algerian international was credited with a 7.3 rating by Sofascore, reflecting the consistency of his contribution. Operating primarily down the flank, he delivered a steady stream of attacking intent.
Two key passes underlined his creative influence, regularly placing teammates in promising positions even as clear chances proved difficult to convert for much of the contest.
His crossing was a standout feature. Hadj Moussa attempted 15 deliveries into the area, four of which found their target, highlighting his persistence in probing a compact Eagles defence.
That willingness to keep supplying the box became increasingly important as Feyenoord pushed for a breakthrough.
Technically, his performance was equally assured. He completed 31 of 36 passes for an accuracy rate of 86%, including 24 successful passes from 28 attempts in the attacking half.
That composure in advanced areas allowed Feyenoord to maintain pressure and circulate possession effectively, particularly after Go Ahead were reduced to 10 men following Thibo Baeten’s 15th-minute dismissal.
As corners accumulated and the Eagles defence continued to resist, Hadj Moussa remained central to Feyenoord’s attacking patience.
He repeatedly drove forward and crossed, embodying the home side’s persistence against a depleted but determined opponent.
When the decisive moment arrived deep into added time, it capped a performance in which his sustained pressure had helped wear down the resistance.
The display serves as another sign of Hadj Moussa’s growing influence in a Feyenoord shirt, with his all-round contribution playing a key part in unlocking a match that demanded patience, control and attacking discipline.
