Dutch fans cheered for the performance of "newcomer" Hwang In-beom (28, Feyenoord).
Feyenoord Rotterdam faced German "champion" Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the first leg of the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League phase at 1:45 a.m. on the 20th (Korea Standard Time) in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Starting this season, the Champions League will have its group stage abolished, and 36 teams will qualify for the finals and then face eight randomly drawn teams, two from each of the four ports, whose results will determine which teams will qualify for the finals. Among the 36 teams, the first to eighth place teams will advance directly to the round of 16, and teams ranked ninth to 24th will play in pairs for the playoffs. The winning teams will join the round of 16.
Feyenoord succeeded in reinforcing the midfield by recruiting Hwang In-beom, but Leverkusen was strong. It failed to earn points in its first match.
Feyenoord played in a 4-3-3 formation. Igor Faixian-Santiago Jimenez-Antoni Milambo was on the front line, while Quinton Timber-Ramiz Jeruki-Hwang In-beom stood in the midfield. David Hantzko-Thomas Beillon-Gernnott Trauner-Jordan Rotongba set up a four-back, and Timon Bellen Reuters kept the goal.
Leverkusen opted for a 3-4-3 formation. Florian Birz-Victor Boniface-Martin Terrier went on offense, while Alejandro Grimaldo-Robert Andrich-Granit Xhaka-Jeremy Frimpong filled the midfield. Piero Incapier-Yonathan Tha-Edmond Topsova set up the backslee, and Lukasz Hradecki wore goalie gloves.
Feyenoord allowed a run just five minutes into the first half. After catching the ball, Birtz continued to advance to the penalty arc in front of the box and fired a sharp left-footed shot to the net.
Feyenoord also got a chance. After catching a ball handed by his teammate in the 15th minute of the first half, Hwang fired a right footed shot in front of the box, but goalkeeper Khradecki caught it.
Feyenoord aimed to tie the game again in the 29th minute of the first half. It was Hwang In-beom again this time. He turned straight after receiving a pass from his teammate and fired a powerful left-footed shot, but this time he missed the goal.
Leverkusen scored an additional goal. In the 30th minute of the first half, Frimpong caught the ball given by Boniface, and Frimpong scored a low and fast cross. Grimaldo blew his body and pushed it in.
Leverkusen shook the net again. Leverkusen, who cut Feyenoord's attack in the 36th minute of the first half, sent the ball straight to the front, and Frimpong, who caught the ball from the right side, advanced quickly and crossed for Birz who was rushing from the other side. Birz scored 3-0 with his accurate shot.
Feyenoord lost a point again before the end of the first half. In the 45th minute of the first half, Leverkusen handled a free kick from a distance from the goal and Tapsova connected it with a header. Goalkeeper Belen Reuters made a mistake in handling the ball and it was recorded as an own goal.
Feyenoord scored a comeback in the second half, but failed and the game ended with a 4-0 Leverkusen victory.
Hwang In-beom, who made his debut through this match, displayed unbelievable performance that he made his debut through this match. While playing full-time, he made three shots. While recording 81 cheek touches, he diligently played on the ground, recording a pass success rate of 82 percent (51/62), 10 pitches in the final third region, one clearing, and five ball recoveries.
The statistical media "Pot Mob" gave Hwang In-beom a 6.7 rating, the highest rating among the players who started and replaced.
It was not just a simple statistical high score. It also instantly captivated the hearts of fans. After the game, Feyenoord fans went to social media to share their impressions of the game, and among them, favorable reviews of Hwang were not difficult to find. 메이저놀이터
Fans commented, "Hwang shined alone," and "It's fun to see him run." Another fan commented, "Players should follow Hwang's example. He was outstanding alone."