18-year-old Redmond helps Feyenoord to a narrow cup victory over MVV with two goals

Feyenoord has qualified for the eighth finals of the KNVB Cup at the expense of MVV Maastricht. The Rotterdam team won 2-1 on a visit to the first division team thanks to two goals from 18-year-old Zépiqueno Redmond, a Rotterdam-born attacker from their own youth academy.

Justin Bijlow was allowed to play goalkeeper again for the Rotterdam team, while captain Quinten Timber was given some rest. Santiago Giménez also had to sit on the bench, leaving the young Redmond in the lead.

Feyenoord seemed to be heading for an easy victory for a long time, but the last fifteen minutes became quite tense after an error by defender Facundo González, which led to the 1-2. The Rotterdam team eventually won with difficulty.

In a sold-out De Geusselt stadium, where Bert van Marwijk and Mark van Bommel, among others, were attentive spectators, MVV received a club from the traditional top three for the first time in 25 years. “A dream come true,” interim director Jean Boelen said earlier.

The supporters provided various banners and actions, although it took a while before the match could start. Lighted torches and fireworks caused so much smoke that the cup match was delayed by several minutes.

Once the match started, it didn’t take long for Feyenoord to take the lead. After exactly 140 seconds, a cross from Dávid Hancko was headed in by Redmond, who scored his first goal in professional football.

Ten minutes after the break, Redmond made his evening even better, cleverly using his body to turn away from a defender and then slot into an empty goal.

Feyenoord seemed to be heading for an easy victory, but suddenly had to make an effort after a mistake by González. The Uruguayan simply handed the ball to MVV striker Ilano Silva Timas, who neatly finished for the 1-2. That goal was not unjustified, because MVV had actively continued to attack throughout the match.

After MVV’s tying goal, there was still fifteen minutes to play, during which Feyenoord showed themselves vulnerable and allowed MVV to create several opportunities. Goalscorer Silva Timas had the best chance, but shot wide with Bijlow.

The Rotterdammers withstood the Maastricht storm and won by hanging and strangling, which means they will be included in the draw for the next round of the KNVB Cup. It will take place next Friday at 5 p.m.

Next Sunday, Feyenoord awaits the last match before the winter break: an Eredivisie top visit to leader PSV.