PSV slip to 1-0 defeat against Feyenoord in Rotterdam (PSV.nl)

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PSV's UEFA Cup hopes were dealt a huge blow as they slipped to defeat at Feyenoord at the Rotterdam Kuip on Sunday afternoon. After Dwight Lodeweges' team had wasted some glorious chances to take the lead, the goal was scored at the other end of the pitch, when a header from Leroy Fer secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Feyenoord.
Pre-match stats
Feyenoord played host to PSV in Rotterdam for the 53rd time, with PSV only recording nine wins. PSV claimed a 1-0 victory against Feyenoord in this season's reverse encounter in Eindhoven, courtesy of a goal from Afellay. PSV also beat Feyenoord in this season's opening game, when they lifted the Johan Cruyff Shield after a 2-0 win. Culina returned from suspension. Up till this afternoon, PSV enjoyed a seven-match unbeaten run on their travels, while Feyenoord boasted an unbeaten run of five home games. Marcellis made his 50th Eredivisie appearance for PSV.
Evenly contested first-half
Feyenoord had most shots on goal in the opening stages but PSV had the best chances. Lazovic raced down the right wing, skipped past a few defenders and delivered a pinpoint pass to Méndez who completely miskicked the ball and sent it wide. Afellay forced Feyenoord goalkeeper Timmer into a save with a fierce shot from distance. Feyenoord's agile left winger Biseswar was a constant menace to PSV's full right back Culina, who was not available last week through suspension. On the half hour mark, Timmer picked up an injury when he collided with Lazovic in an aerial battle and from then on the PSV forward's touch every touch was booed. Minutes later Van Bronckhorst was rightly booked by referee Kevin Blom for a wild challenge on the Serb. It was the fifth yellow card that the Feyenoord midfielder picked up, so he will miss next week's game.
Fer scores winner
Feyenoord coach Leon Vlemmings was forced to make two substitutions at half time. Feyenoord keeper Henk Timmer had to be taken to be replaced by veteran goalie Rob van Dijk and defender Hofland was substituted by Leerdam and Tomasson limped off the pitch in the 54th minute with a hamstring injury. PSV produced a scrappy second-half performance and frequently lost possession. Toivonen was taken off and replaced by Bakkal on the hour mark as PSV fought themselves gradually back into the game. Afellay set up Bakkal with a great pass, but the substitute was denied by Van Dijk and minutes later Méndez turned provider for Lazovic who sent his effort wide, with an empty net gaping in front of him. The Serb striker also wasted another glorious chance when Dzsudzsák squared the ball back to him. Against the run of play, the goal was scored at the other end of the pitch in the 73rd minute when Leroy Fer rose above two PSV defenders to send a powerful header high beyond keeper Isaksson from Biseswar's corner. With twelve minutes remaining Koevermans came off the bench to take over from Edison Mendez to strengthen PSV's attack. PSV desperately surged forward in the closing minutes to rescue a point but the Feyenoord defence held out for victory as Fer's goal separated the two teams in the end. PSV, who are lying fifth, just three points above FC Groningen, will be most anxious to keep all three points at the Philips Stadium on Saturday when they entertain Vitesse.