ROTTERDAM, Netherlands (Interstat) — Feyenoord opened its Eredivisie campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Go Ahead Eagles on Sunday at Stadion Feijenoord, a result that defied a chaotic match script heavily influenced by an early red card.

The match, played on Feb. 15, 2026, was decided by a second-half goal from midfielder Casper Tengstedt, but the narrative was set in the 15th minute. Go Ahead Eagles defender Thibo Baeten was shown a straight red card, forcing the visitors to play with 10 men for the remainder of the contest. The dismissal upended pregame projections from Interstat, whose simulator had predicted a 2-1 Feyenoord win and whose ELO system gave the hosts an 82.5% probability of victory.

Despite the significant manpower advantage, Feyenoord struggled for prolonged periods to break down a resolute and reorganized Eagles defense. The first half ended without a goal, highlighting the visitors’ disciplined shape and Feyenoord’s initial frustration.

The decisive moment finally arrived in the 66th minute. The buildup involved a sequence of substitutes, underscoring the depth Feyenoord utilized to find a solution. Jakob Breum, who had entered the match earlier, initiated the play, finding fellow substitute Aske Adelgaard on the left flank. Adelgaard delivered a sharp, low cross into the penalty area, where another substitute, Richonell Margaret, provided a clever flick toward the center of the box. There, midfielder Hwang Inbeom calmly collected the ball and slid a precise pass to an unmarked Casper Tengstedt. The Danish midfielder made no mistake, firing home from close range to give Feyenoord the lead.

The goal was Tengstedt’s first of the season and was officially assisted by Hwang, though the contributions from Breum, Adelgaard and Margaret in creating the chance were pivotal. Following the goal, the match grew increasingly fractious. Go Ahead Eagles, pushing for an unlikely equalizer, and Feyenoord, seeking to control the tempo, combined for four yellow cards in the final 47 minutes of play. Breum was booked in the 43rd minute, before Margaret (72’) and Adelgaard (82’) also received cautions. Hwang Inbeom was shown a yellow in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time.

The victory gives Feyenoord a perfect start to the domestic season, moving its Eredivisie record to one win and zero losses. Go Ahead Eagles begins its campaign with a defeat, its record now standing at zero wins and one loss. The records across all competitions for both clubs mirror their league starts after this opening fixture.

The result, while expected on paper, proved harder earned than anticipated for the Rotterdam side. Feyenoord ultimately relied on its superior squad depth and a moment of quality from its midfield to secure three points against a defiant Go Ahead Eagles side that played for over 75 minutes a man down.