Feyenoord maintained pressure on the Eredivisie summit with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over local rivals Excelsior at De Kuip. The win was crucial for the hosts' title aspirations. Excelsior shocked the home crowd by taking a surprise lead against the run of play in the first half. Feyenoord responded with increased urgency after the break, leveling the score with a scrappy goal from a corner. The winner came from the penalty spot with just over fifteen minutes remaining after a handball was spotted by VAR, allowing Feyenoord to secure a nervy but vital three points.