Feyenoord secured a thrilling 3-2 win over AZ Alkmaar in an intense Eredivisie showdown, with Ghanaian forward Ibrahim Osman making a decisive impact by scoring shortly after coming on as a late substitute.
AZ Alkmaar struck first in the 43rd minute, seizing the lead just before halftime and putting pressure on the home side.
Feyenoord, however, returned for the second half with renewed determination, pressing forward and testing AZ’s defensive line.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 61st minute when an AZ own goal leveled the score, giving Feyenoord new life at 1-1.
Just two minutes later, Luca Ivanusec found his moment, converting a well-timed opportunity to put Feyenoord ahead, 2-1, and energizing the crowd at De Kuip.
With Feyenoord in control, head coach Arne Slot made a strategic substitution in the 80th minute, bringing on the talented Osman to bolster the attack.
His decision paid off almost immediately.
Just two minutes after his introduction, Osman capitalized on a swift offensive play, firing home Feyenoord’s third goal to extend the lead to 3-1.
Despite Feyenoord’s comfortable lead, AZ continued to battle, with Mexx Meerdink narrowing the gap in the 89th minute, scoring a late goal to make it 3-2.
But Feyenoord held firm through the final moments, fending off AZ’s attempts to equalize.
With this hard-fought win, Feyenoord now holds third place in the Eredivisie, eight points behind league leaders PSV.
The victory underscores their push to climb the standings as they seek to close the gap in the championship race.
