Preview: Feyenoord Hosts Sturm Graz in Europa League Knockout Play

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands (Interstat) — Feyenoord returns to European competition looking to steady its form when it hosts Austrian side SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz in a UEFA Europa League knockout round playoff first-leg match on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026.

The Dutch Eredivisie side enters the contest following a chaotic 4-3 defeat to second-tier club Jong Sparta in a domestic cup match last Sunday. That result extended a concerning run for Feyenoord, which has won just once in its last seven matches across all competitions (1-3-3). That stretch includes a 3-1 home loss to Celtic and a 4-3 defeat to FCSB in the Europa League group stage in late 2025.

Sturm Graz, which advanced to this stage by finishing second in its Europa League group, seeks its first European victory since October. The Austrian Bundesliga club concluded its group campaign with a 1-0 home loss to Serbia’s FK Crvena zvezda on Dec. 11. Its group stage record was mixed, featuring a notable 2-1 away win at Rangers but also heavy defeats, including a 5-0 loss at Norway’s Bodo/Glimt in August.

The matchup pits Feyenoord’s attacking pedigree against a Sturm Graz side that has shown resilience on the road in Europe this season. Feyenoord manager Arne Slot will demand a response from his squad after the cup setback, with focus key at De Kuip Stadium.

Sturm Graz coach Christian Ilzer will likely emphasize defensive organization to secure a manageable result ahead of the second leg in Austria next week. The visitors have kept only one clean sheet in their last eight European fixtures.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Feyenoord is projected to win 2-0.

The winner of this two-legged tie will advance to the Europa League round of 16.

Up Next:

Feyenoord hosts Heracles in the Eredivisie on Sunday, Jan. 25. Sturm Graz’s next match is the second leg against Feyenoord on Thursday, Jan. 29, in Graz, Austria.