Champions League: After AC Scalp, Can Feyenoord make Lightning Strike Twice?

Feyenoord vs Inter Milan

They’ve seen off one Milan giant in the Champions League, the next task for Dutch outfit Feyenoord is to face the other, who just happen to be the Italian champions.

That may appear scant reward but, following a turbulent start to the New Year, Feyenoord are only looking up and keen to create more Champions League 2025 highlights.

As for Inter, the defeated finalists of two seasons ago are keen to go one better as they juggle their quest for more domestic glory by bidding for a first Euro title for 15 years.

Talking Points

European champions in 1970, Feyenoord have never before reached the Champions League knockout rounds, although they did make the second group stage in 1999/2000.

But after seeing off seven-times champions of Europe (albeit the 2025 Milan vintage is far from top class), there’s no reason to doubt they can’t give their neighbours and city rivals an equally tough encounter.

There may even be a bit more stability forthcoming given the side placed fourth in the Eredivisie have a new boss.

They actually progressed through the play-offs under an interim coach with Pascal Bosschaarttaking charge of both legs (1-0 winners at home to Milan followed by a 1-1 draw in the San Siro) following the departure of Brian Priske.

Now they have Robin Van Persie in tow after he penned a contract until 2027.

The former Manchester United and Arsenal marksman, whose first game in charge was a goalless draw at home to NEC Nijmegen on Saturday, actually started both legs the last time Feyenoord and Inter locked horns in what was his debut season in the first team.

His task is to overturn a troubling run of form which has seen them win only two of their last eight league matches and stumble well out of contention in the Dutch title race – they are currently 16 points of the summit.

He will have to do it the hard way with first-choice goalkeeper Justin Bijlow and captain Quinten Timber ruled out and midfield duo Antoni Milambo and Jakub Moder both doubts.

By contrast, Simone Inzaghi’s Inter are a picture of stability.

They have question marks of their own with Federico Dimarco, who scored in their weekend Serie A draw at Napoli, substituted early in the second half with a muscular problem, while Hakan Çalhanoğlu was also replaced with a knock (although he is not expected to be sidelined for a significant period).

The first leg may also come too soon for Matteo Darmian (thigh), but definitely absent are goalkeeper Yann Sommer who sustained a fractured thumb a fortnight ago, Nicola Zalewski (calf) and Carlos Augusto (calf).

Despite that, I Nerazzurri should have the know-how and experience to see off spirited opponents and move a step closer to avenging the final defeat of two years ago.

History 

These teams have only met twice before in history and it was a dramatic tie in the semi-finals of the 2002 UEFA Cup.

On that occasion, an own goal gave the Dutch the advantage in the San Siro first leg before the teams shared four goals in Rotterdam to give Feyenoord a 3-2 aggregate win.

In truth, that game was actually over at half-time as Pierre van Hooijdonk and John Dahl Tomasson netted in the first 45 minutes to open up a 3-0 aggregate lead.

Six minutes from time, Cristiano Zanetti got one back for the visitors and Mohamed Kallon levelled from the penalty spot on the stroke of full time but, by then, the Dutch party had long since started as they reached their first European showpiece for 28 years.

Feyenoord went onto defeat 10-man Borussia Dortmund in a thrilling final the following month.

Betting Tip 

A look back to that Feyenoord side of 2002 and you can see players littered with talent, the likes of van Persie, van Hooijdonk and Tomasson in their ranks.

I don’t think they have that strength nowadays and the Champions League 2025 betting odds strongly back the Italian champions.

They are priced 1X2 @ 1.56 and Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 1.77 and -1.25 @ 2.40.

The hosts, meanwhile, are available to back 1X2 @ 5.00 and Asian Handicap +0.75 @ 2.14.

The draw is on offer @ 3.82.

A re-run of their last meeting more than 22 years ago will pay out @ 17.50 with Correct Score 2-2.

Goal options include over 2.75 @ 2.02, total goal 0-1 @ 3.43, 2-3 @ 2.00 and 4-6 @ 3.07.

This SBOTOP writer just feels Inter will be too strong over both legs.

 

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