Feyenoord suffer first defeat in Dutch league

Feyenoord have suffered their first defeat of the Dutch Eredivisie season after losing 1-0 to Go Ahead Eagles here.

Without injured Karim El Ahmadi and Tonny Vilhena, whose mother died last week, Feyenoord didn't look their best in Sunday's match.

The home team dominated and took the lead in the 30th minute. Jan-Arie van der Heijden lost the ball, Darren Maatsen profited and assisted the goal by Jarchinio Antonia, reports Xinhua.

Van der Heijden seemed to make up for his mistake with a heading goal in the first half. But referee Bas Nijhuis disallowed the goal for a handball by Steven Berghuis who gave the cross. TV images showed the decision was not correct.

Feyenoord worked hard to get back into the match but the better chances were for Go Ahead Eagles. For the first time this season and for the first time since February 14, Feyenoord lost in the Eredivisie.

Feyenoord's main rivals also dropped points, with Ajax drawing 2-2 at AZ. Wout Weghorst opened the scoring for AZ in the 13th minute. He was alert on a deflected cross by Ridgeciano Haps, turned and found the net with a diagonal shot.

Despite a shot by Hakim Ziyech at the stroke of half-time, Ajax did not cause the home team any problems.

Ajax had a perfect start of the second part with Bertrand Traore curling in the equalizer. The Amsterdam-based Dutch record champions pushed on towards a second goal and captain Davy Klaassen tipped in to give Ajax the lead.

Ajax seemed on their way to victory but AZ came back to claim a point. Weghorst finished a counter attack for his second goal of the season.

--IANS

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