ROTTERDAM--Feyenoord Rotterdam have sealed their place in the next round of the Europa League after a 1-0 win over Lazio on Thursday.
Going into the final game of the group, Feyenoord were third but they knew a win would see them through, while a loss could mean they were out of Europe altogether.
Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot decided to start with Igor Paixao on the left wing, while Danilo was preferred over Santiago Gimenez up front.
Lazio started the game in De Kuip stadium on top and Felipe Anderson hit the crossbar, while Matteo Cancellieri put the ball wide when one-on-one with Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow. Manuel Lazzari was also denied by the goalie.
Feyenoord grew into the game and Paixao tested Ivan Provedel with a fierce strike. However, that was the only real chance created by the hosts in the first half.
After the break, Anderson nearly scored again for Lazio but in the 63rd minute, it was Feyenoord who had the lead. Substitute Quilindschy Hartman played the ball long and Gimenez, fresh off the bench, eventually tapped the ball in to send their fans in De Kuip wild.
Orkun Kökçü hit the post before Lazio pushed looking for an equaliser. However, Feyenoord held on, with Luka Romero seeing red late on for Lazio.
Feyenoord goes through as group winners after the win with all four sides finishing on eight points. Lazio bow out and head into the UEFA Conference League. Sturm Graz crash out of European football altogether.
