Champions League Heartbreak for Feyenoord: Van Persie Furious Over Controversial Penalty as Inter Advances

In a dramatic Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash, Inter Milan secured their place in the quarterfinals with a 2-1 victory over Feyenoord, sealing a 4-1 aggregate win. However, the match was not without controversy, as Feyenoord head coach Robin van Persie expressed his frustration over a crucial penalty decision that effectively ended his team’s comeback hopes.

Despite a valiant effort from his side, the 41-year-old Dutch legend was left fuming, calling the referee’s decision “dubious” and claiming it robbed Feyenoord of a fair shot at overturning the deficit. It was a bitter pill to swallow for Van Persie, who is still searching for his first win as Feyenoord’s head coach.

Inter Strikes Early, Feyenoord Fights Back

From the opening whistle, Inter Milan showcased their dominance, determined to build on their first-leg 2-0 advantage. It took just eight minutes for the Italian giants to break the deadlock in stunning fashion.

• Marcus Thuram, the French forward, unleashed a spectacular long-range strike, sending the ball flying past Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow.
• The San Siro erupted as Inter extended their aggregate lead to 3-0, all but securing their place in the last eight.

However, Feyenoord refused to go down without a fight.

• In the 42nd minute, they were handed a lifeline when Feyenoord midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki was fouled inside the box.
• Mats Wieffer stepped aside for Yankuba Minteh, but the young Gambian forward left it to striker Ayase Ueda, who in turn allowed Calvin Stengs to take charge.
• The indecision almost cost them, but in the end, Stengs’ powerful penalty found the net, bringing the score to 1-1 on the night.

With the match level, Feyenoord needed two more goals to pull off a stunning comeback. Momentum seemed to be shifting in their favor, and Van Persie’s men began to dream of an improbable turnaround.

Controversy Strikes: The Penalty That Killed Feyenoord’s Hopes

As the second half began, Feyenoord continued to push forward, hoping to exploit any cracks in Inter’s defensive armor. Then, in the 50th minute, disaster struck—and it came in the form of a highly controversial penalty decision.

• Inter’s Mehdi Taremi surged into the box, with Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida attempting to block his path.
• As Taremi reached for the ball, Geertruida made minimal contact with his foot.
• Despite the slight touch, Taremi went down theatrically, and to the astonishment of the Feyenoord bench, the referee immediately pointed to the spot.

The decision sent shockwaves through the Feyenoord squad, and an enraged Van Persie immediately protested on the touchline. However, his appeals were in vain—the VAR check upheld the call.

Up stepped Hakan Çalhanoğlu, the Turkish playmaker known for his precision from the penalty spot. With ice-cold composure, he sent Bijlow the wrong way, restoring Inter’s lead at 2-1 on the night, 4-1 on aggregate.

Van Persie’s Outrage: “That Penalty Shouldn’t Have Been Given”

Following the match, Van Persie did not hold back, voicing his frustration at the penalty decision that effectively ended his team’s chances.

• “We started the second half strongly, believing we could still turn it around. But then, the penalty decision came—it was completely dubious,” the Dutch coach lamented.
• “There was no real contact. In matches like these, such calls should not be given so easily. It completely changed the game.”

Van Persie firmly believed his team had the potential to score two more goals and complete a miraculous comeback had the penalty not been awarded.

• “We equalized, we felt the momentum shifting in our favor. If we had kept it at 1-1, we could have built on that. But that penalty destroyed our rhythm.”

The 41-year-old Dutchman is only three games into his managerial tenure with Feyenoord, yet he has already experienced the harsh realities of elite European competition.

• His first match in charge ended in a 0-0 draw against NEC Nijmegen in the Eredivisie.
• His next two fixtures were both against Inter in the Champions League, where he endured back-to-back defeats.
• Despite the setbacks, Van Persie can at least take solace in one milestone—Feyenoord scored their first goal under his management, courtesy of Stengs’ penalty.

Inter Cruise to the Quarterfinals – Can They Go All the Way?

While Feyenoord exit the tournament in disappointment, Inter Milan march on to the quarterfinals with confidence.

• Their 4-1 aggregate victory is a testament to their defensive resilience and attacking efficiency.
• Under Simone Inzaghi, Inter have developed a balanced and disciplined style of play, making them genuine contenders for the Champions League crown.
• With players like Thuram, Lautaro Martínez, and Çalhanoğlu in top form, they pose a serious threat to any opponent in the next round.

For Feyenoord, the focus now shifts back to domestic competition. Van Persie will be tasked with rebuilding team morale and securing a strong finish in the Eredivisie.

As for Inter, their Champions League journey continues—but whether they can navigate the challenges ahead remains to be seen. The quarterfinals promise even tougher battles, and only time will tell if Inzaghi’s men have what it takes to go all the way.