Feyenoord Rotterdam Women 3-1 Anderlecht Women: Strong start for Feyenoord

Feyenoord Rotterdam Women began their UEFA Women’s Europa League campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Anderlecht Women 3-1 on 3 September 2026. The home side produced a lively performance and collected a valuable victory that puts them in a strong position for the next stage.

Playing in Rotterdam, Feyenoord Women were quick to take control of the match. Their midfield pressed high and gave Anderlecht little time to settle into a passing rhythm. The home side’s attacking line looked sharp from the opening exchanges, and they were rewarded early with a goal that settled any early nerves. The fast start set the tone for what became an entertaining and open European contest.

Feyenoord take control

Feyenoord’s first goal came from a well-worked move that moved the ball from defence to attack in a matter of seconds. The finish was calm and clinical, leaving the Anderlecht goalkeeper with no chance. The Dutch team then doubled their advantage before the interval with another controlled attacking sequence, this time coming through the middle after patient build-up play.

During the first half, Anderlecht struggled to keep possession in advanced areas and were forced to rely on occasional long-distance shots. Feyenoord, by contrast, created the better chances and managed the pace of the match well. Their defensive line, although not tested constantly, looked organised whenever the Belgian side attempted to respond.

Anderlecht fight back but Feyenoord close the game out

After the break, Anderlecht Women improved and started to move the ball with more purpose. They began to find space in wide areas, and their patience was rewarded when a well-taken goal pulled the scoreline back to 2-1. That moment changed the energy of the game and forced Feyenoord to show a different side of their game.

Instead of panicking, the Dutch side responded quickly. They regained their composure and scored a third goal to restore their two-goal cushion. The strike proved to be the final decisive moment of the match, as Anderlecht found themselves unable to break down a Feyenoord defence that had regained its discipline. The home team saw out the remaining minutes with professional game management.

Result recap

• Fast home start: Feyenoord’s early goal made Anderlecht have to chase the game, which suited the Dutch team’s comfortable possession style.
• European confidence: Winning against Anderlecht gives Feyenoord Women real momentum and a firm platform for the remainder of the UEFA Women’s Europa League.
• Away goal: Anderlecht’s late effort at least gives them a goal to take into the return fixture, providing some encouragement for the second leg.

What the result means

Feyenoord Rotterdam Women will take a great deal of confidence from this 3-1 success. It was a complete team performance, with attacking creativity matched by enough defensive stability to keep Anderlecht from turning the match into a real contest. The victory is an early sign that Feyenoord can compete on the European stage this season.

Anderlecht Women, meanwhile, will be disappointed by the result but not by the fight shown in the second half. The Belgian side will feel that one goal can still make the tie uncomfortable for Feyenoord, especially if they can tighten up defensively in the return meeting. For now, the spotlight stays on Feyenoord, who delivered exactly what their supporters wanted on a positive opening night in European football.