Como head coach Cesc Fàbregas has praised Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj Moussa for his decisive performance in their thrilling 3-2 UEFA Champions League victory over the Italian side at De Kuip in Rotterdam.
The Algerian international proved instrumental in Feyenoord’s comeback, earning the UEFA Player of the Match award after scoring a superb goal and contributing to another in a performance that left Fàbregas impressed.
“Moussa is a differential player. We still don’t have players like him who make the difference at this level. You need that kind of profile in the Champions League,” Fàbregas said after the match.
Como initially took the lead through Assane Diao in the 18th minute, but Feyenoord responded almost immediately, with Gjivai Zechiël restoring parity two minutes later. Hadj Moussa then put the Dutch side ahead in the 52nd minute, cutting inside from the right before finishing from a tight angle. He later sparked the attacking move that led to Feyenoord’s decisive third goal in the 81st minute.
Reflecting on the defeat, Fàbregas admitted that Feyenoord were the better side after the break, highlighting their effectiveness and the influence of the Algerian winger. “They are a very good team that know how to play very well. In the second half, they were much better than us. Playing away in the Champions League is always difficult, especially with the energy from these supporters. They were more effective, and Anis Hadj Moussa made all the difference,” he added.
