Feyenoord has a draw in the first play-off match with AS Roma in the knockout phase of the Europa League. In De Kuip, Romelu Lukaku prevented Igor Paixão's goal from resulting in a Rotterdam victory: 1-1. The return in Rome will be completed in a week's time on Thursday.

Timon Wellenreuther was under the bar at Feyenoord and he had a four-man defense in front of him. This consisted of Bart Nieuwkoop, Thomas Beelen, Dávid Hancko and Quilindschy Hartman. In midfield, Slot once again opted for Ramiz Zerrouki to replace Quinten Timber, who had not yet recovered from a head injury.

The middle line of the Rotterdam team was further formed by Mats Wieffer and number 10 Calvin Stengs. Up front, Ayase Ueda was flanked by Yankuba Minteh (right) and Paixão (left). Santiago Gimenez was not fit enough to start.

The first danger came from the Romans. Lorenzo Pellegrini suddenly appeared for Wellenreuther in the tenth minute, who acted appropriately and took the sting out of the attack. After Lukaku's header into the hands of Wellenreuther in the seventeenth minute of play, Feyenoord was able to slowly take over the initiative.

Stengs and Paixão, among others, had the opportunity to open the score, but they lacked fortune and accuracy in finishing. Just before half time the Slot team scored. From the left flank, Hartman delivered a perfect cross to the fully released Paixão, who placed the ball with his head into the bottom right corner: 1-0.

A few minutes before the opening goal, Feyenoord got away well. First, Wellenreuther managed to tap Leandro Paredes' shot onto the crossbar, while Lukaku missed a free headed opportunity moments later.

In the opening phase of the second act, Feyenoord seemed to have excellent control of the match and the pressure was increased. Yet Roma suddenly struck in the 67th minute of play. A cross from the left from Leonardo Spinazzola landed on the shoulder of Lukaku, who punched the ball into the far corner: 1-1.

With Luka Ivanusec, Antoni Milambo and debutant Givairo Read among others, Feyenoord actively looked for the winning goal in the final phase. A few more chances were scored, but the Rotterdam team was unable to pull off a victory, even in seven minutes of injury time. Ivanusec did hit the post from a free kick.

More sports news