Feyenoord defeated Lazio 3-1 on Wednesday, taking the lead in Group E of the Champions League courtesy to goals from Ramiz Zerrouki and Santiago Gimenez of Mexico.
Gimenez’s attempt for the Dutch champs was disallowed in the 25th minute following a VAR review, but he had another opportunity five minutes later after Mats Wieffer’s pass went into the upper corner of Ivan Provedel’s net.
Gimenez posted on social media, “Starting the Champions League dream with two goals.”
Gimenez became the second Mexican player to score in Europe’s premier club competition after Edson Alvarez for Ajax against Lille in 2019 after serving a two-game suspension. With fifteen goals this season, he leads Feyenoord in scoring.
Before the half, Feyenoord, the 1970 European Champions, increased their lead to 2-0 when midfielder Calvin Stengs cut inside and found Algerian international Zerrouki to score.
Goalie Justin Bijlow stopped attempts from Mattia Zaccagni & Manuel Lazzari as Maurizio Sarri’s team attempted to rally.
“During the first half, their aggressiveness and pressure terrified us too much. We shouldn’t have given up the second goal, but their first was unavoidable,” Sarri stated.
“We need to make the most of our remaining two home games before we look at the standings. Losing one game is problematic in a six-match group,” he continued.
After Marcos Lopez fouled Valentin Castellanos & Pedro Rodriguez converted the penalty kick seven minutes from time, Gimenez scored his second goal on a rebound of Quinten Timber’s attempt in the 74th minute. However, Lazio managed a consolation goal.
With six points, Feyenoord leads Group E by one over Atletico Madrid, who drew 2-2 with Celtic, and by two over Lazio. On November 7, the Dutch team plays the Italians once more in Rome.