Eredivisie: Feyenoord Edge Telstar 2-1, Sterling Debuts with Win

Raheem Sterling debuts

Raheem Sterling makes winning debut as Feyenoord beat Telstar 2-1, tightening grip on second spot in Eredivisie, with Anis Hadj Moussa scoring the winner.

Hadj Moussa then gave Feyenoord the lead in the 39th minute, scoring with a cross-body shot that beat Koeman...

Feyenoord secured a 2-1 home win over Telstar, with Raheem Sterling making his debut for the Rotterdam giants. Sterling, a former England international, came on in the last 30 minutes to receive a warm welcome from the fans at De Kuip. This victory helps Feyenoord maintain their second-place position in the Dutch Eredivisie, trailing leaders PSV Eindhoven by 14 points.

Sterling's debut was anticipated, and he showed glimpses of his skill, attempting a few dribbles on the left flank. Manager Robin van Persie had confirmed Sterling's debut prior to the match, and the team even held training sessions in Belgium to accommodate him due to work permit restrictions.

Feyenoord had a strong start, piling on the pressure with several attempts in the early minutes. Luciano Valente, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Anel Ahmedhodzic, and Jordan Bos all had chances, but none could give Feyenoord the lead in the opening 20 minutes.

Japanese top scorer Ayase Ueda got close one more time before Telstar shockingly opened the scoring in De Kuip via Jochem Ritmeester van de Kamp, who outplayed two defenders before beating Timon Wellenreuther with a placed shot in the bottom corner.

Together. +3! 🙌#feytel pic.twitter.com/UgU56JGTCQ

— Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) February 22, 2026

The hosts were given a penalty not long after Ritmeester van de Kamp's goal, but it was ruled out by the VAR for offside.

Feyenoord managed to level before half-time, with Anis Hadj Moussa benefiting from a deflection off goalkeeper Ronald Koeman, who inadvertently helped the ball into his own net.

Feyenoord dominated the opening ten minutes of the second half, with Timon Wellenreuther making a brilliant save on Nokkvi Thorisson's effort.

Raheem Sterling debuteert voor Feyenoord! 🤩#feytel pic.twitter.com/S5Nn4Xpd9v

— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) February 22, 2026

Hadj Moussa then gave Feyenoord the lead in the 39th minute, scoring with a cross-body shot that beat Koeman. Feyenoord managed to level before half-time, with Anis Hadj Moussa benefiting from a deflection off goalkeeper Ronald Koeman, who inadvertently helped the ball into his own net.

Feyenoord dominated the opening ten minutes of the second half, with Timon Wellenreuther making a brilliant save on Nokkvi Thorisson's effort.

Hadj Moussa then gave Feyenoord the lead in the 39th minute, scoring with a cross-body shot that beat Koeman.

Feyenoord's lead holds at half-time

Feyenoord's lead survived through half-time and was nearly doubled after half-time through Ueda and Jakub Moder, but the score remained 2-1 at the hour mark.

That's when Raheem Sterling made his entry in De Kuip to the sound of a roaring Rotterdam crowd, who welcomed the 82-time English international with open arms.

Feyenoord's second half was less than convincing, with only Casper Tengstedt trying his luck in the final thirty minutes.

Telstar pushed for an equaliser in the final minutes, with Tyrese Noslin having two chances: he fired his first shot wide, and Wellenreuther saved a header in injury time.

Timon Wellenreuther made a crucial save, and Jelani Seedorf's rebound was blocked by three Feyenoord defenders, securing the win for Feyenoord.

Feyenoord edge Telstar

The 2-1 win over Telstar gave Feyenoord a comfortable 5-point lead over NEC and Ajax.

Ajax and NEC drew 1-1 on Saturday evening, a result that worked in Feyenoord's favour in the battle for second place.

Jochem Ritmeester van de Kamp zet Telstar uit het niets op 0-1 in De Kuip! 😱#feytel pic.twitter.com/XddsiaJOYy

— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) February 22, 2026