Feyenoord Held to Draw by Excelsior in Special Friendly as Givairo Read Returns

Feyenoord’s pre-season preparations hit a snag on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by local rivals Excelsior in a special training-ground friendly at Varkenoord. The match, arranged as part of both clubs’ build-up to the 2024-25 Eredivisie season, served as a rare opportunity for Rotterdam’s two professional sides to meet outside of official competition.

The result means Feyenoord failed to claim victory in their first meaningful test since the conclusion of last season, raising questions about squad readiness ahead of the campaign opener. However, the outing provided a significant boost in the form of Givairo Read’s return to action after more than three months on the sidelines due to injury.

Read, the 20-year-old attacking midfielder, came on as a second-half substitute and played approximately 30 minutes, marking his first appearance for the senior squad since sustaining a hamstring problem in April. His reintegration into the group was confirmed by Feyenoord’s official website and coaching staff in post-match remarks, underscoring the club’s cautious approach to managing his recovery.

Match Summary: Feyenoord 1-1 Excelsior

The game began with Feyenoord asserting early control, dominating possession and creating the clearer chances. In the 22nd minute, striker Santiago Giménez broke the deadlock with a composed finish after a swift counter-attack initiated by Quinten Timber’s interception in midfield. The goal reflected the intensity Feyenoord aimed to impose under interim coach Pascal Bosschaart, who led the side in the absence of head coach Robin van Persie, who was attending a separate UEFA coaching seminar.

Excelsior, competing in the Eerste Divisie for the 2024-25 season, responded with renewed purpose after the break. Their equalizer arrived in the 68th minute when winger Elvis Manu cut inside from the left and fired a low drive past Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, who had been tested earlier in the half. The goal capped a sustained period of pressure from the visitors, who adjusted their shape to exploit spaces left by Feyenoord’s high defensive line.

Despite late pushes from both sides — including a near-header from Feyenoord’s Ayase Ueda and a long-range effort from Excelsior’s Mohamed Taabouni — neither team could find a winner. The match concluded with both squads sharing points in a contest noted for its competitive spirit and high tempo, despite its unofficial status.

Read’s Return: A Positive Note Amidst the Draw

The most significant development from Feyenoord’s perspective was the return of Givairo Read. The Dutch youth international had been absent since April 13, when he suffered a hamstring tear during Feyenoord’s Eredivisie match against Fortuna Sittard. Medical updates from the club indicated a recovery timeline of 10-12 weeks, placing his potential return around late June or early July — a projection that aligned closely with his actual reappearance.

Read entered the match in the 60th minute, replacing Anis Hadj-Moussa. Though he did not register a goal or assist, his movement off the ball and willingness to drive at defenders signaled encouraging progress. Bosschaart noted in his post-match comments that Read “showed flashes of his quality” and needed “more minutes to regain full match sharpness,” a sentiment echoed by the player himself in a brief interview with the club’s media channel.

His return adds depth to Feyenoord’s attacking options, particularly ahead of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie, the date and opponent for which remain pending following the conclusion of the second qualifying round. Read’s versatility — capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, winger, or false nine — offers tactical flexibility that Bosschaart may look to exploit as the squad integrates new signings and returns from injury.

Tactical Observations and Squad Implications

The friendly revealed several areas requiring attention as Feyenoord transitions into competitive fixtures. Defensively, the side appeared vulnerable to quick transitions, particularly when their fullbacks pushed high. Excelsior’s goal stemmed from a counter that exploited space behind Timber and Bart Nieuwkoop, suggesting a require for better coordination between the back line and midfield press.

In possession, Feyenoord relied heavily on Giménez as a focal point, with Timber and Calvin Stengs attempting to dictate tempo from deeper positions. However, the lack of a conventional playmaker in the number 10 role — a position vacated by the departure of Orkun Kökçü to Benfica — was occasionally apparent. Read’s presence in that zone during his time on the field offered a glimpse of how he might fill that creative void, though his final product will need improvement to meet Eredivisie standards.

Bosschaart, speaking in his capacity as interim head coach, emphasized that the match was primarily about fitness and cohesion rather than result. “We used this game to test combinations and build minutes,” he said. “The draw doesn’t concern us; what matters is how we adapt and improve from these sessions.”

Excelsior, meanwhile, will view the performance as a positive sign ahead of their Eerste Divisie campaign. Under coach Marinus Dijkhuizen, the club has undergone significant turnover but showed organizational discipline and attacking intent that could serve them well in their pursuit of promotion.

What’s Next for Feyenoord

Feyenoord’s next official action comes on July 20, when they face VfL Wolfsburg in a pre-season friendly at the Opel Arena in Wolfsburg, Germany. Kickoff is scheduled for 15:30 CEST (13:30 UTC). This match will be part of a short training camp in Germany and will serve as the final tune-up before their Champions League qualifying campaign begins.

The first leg of Feyenoord’s Champions League third qualifying round tie is set for August 6 or 7, depending on the outcome of the second qualifying round. Potential opponents include FC Salzburg, Dinamo Zagreb, or FK Bodø/Glimt, with the draw to be conducted on June 24. The club will return to full training on July 15 ahead of the Wolfsburg fixture.

For now, the draw against Excelsior serves as a reminder that pre-season form does not always translate to competitive readiness. Yet, with Read back in the fold and the squad continuing to integrate, Feyenoord remain on track to meet their ambitions across all fronts.

Archysport will continue to monitor Feyenoord’s pre-season progress and provide verified updates as the club moves toward its official season opener.

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