Feyenoord overturned a 0-1 deficit in the second half and eventually won 3-2 against AZ. Quinten Timber hopes to prove that the defeat at Ajax was a one-off dip. Brian Priske’s team now has to quickly switch things up in order to be ready for the next match against RB Salzburg on Wednesday.
“I am very happy,” Justin Bijlow begins with a big smile ESPN. The goalkeeper was back under the bar for the first time since May. “That you are under the bar in your own Kuip and can play football again. It is always nice to play a match for Feyenoord. That I am finally allowed to play again after four months, then you are of course very happy. The tension felt as I did always had.”
Bijlow also shows in this interview how great his love for Feyenoord is, because the lost Classic did not make him jump for joy when he heard from Priske that he could start. “We had lost, so that is never fun. A day before the match I heard that I could start, which is of course great. Then I prepare myself and let it happen for yourself.”
Bijlow answers with a smile when asked how he has gotten through the past few months. “It wasn’t easy. A lot has happened. You would prefer to play football, but in my head I was always number one. That’s how I approached it. You work hard and everyone around me helped me through it. helped. I’m glad I can go again.”
“The only solution to come back is not to let your head down. You have to keep believing in yourself and train hard.” Bijlow was not always cheerful during the difficult moments. “I have a wonderful girlfriend and child who, together with my family, get me through it. I am very grateful to them for that.”
The match against AZ
Of course, there is also talk about the match itself. “It was a difficult first half. We had the ball a lot, but created little and did not get through easily. Just before half time you fall behind, so that is a shame and is not allowed. Fortunately, we recovered from that in the second half. I think the 3-2 came out of nowhere and then we defended well. The three points are the most important thing after a tough week.”
Feyenoord vs AZ: A Lively Comeback and Bijlow’s Journey
So here we are, Feyenoord fans! The drama was tangible in the air and I’m talking more ‘suspense movie’ than ‘football match’. Feyenoord, after looking as promising as a three-legged dog in a race, turned the tables from a 0-1 deficit to a convincing 3-2 win against AZ. The kind of comeback that makes you want to throw your arms up, shout “YES!” and maybe even eat your hat, if you’re into that kind of thing. Quinten Timber, bless him, has this infectious optimism, hoping the defeat against Ajax was merely a fluke—like when you accidentally pour soda in your cereal.
Our hero of the day, Justin Bijlow, gave an interview with a grin wider than the Amsterdam canals. He was back in goal for the first time since May—because apparently, taking a break from being the wall of salvation at Kuip is in fashion now. Bijlow expressed his happiness in perfect terms, saying, “That you are under the bar in your own Kuip and can play football again.” Well, yes, Bijlow, you’d hardly be happy playing in anyone else’s goal, would you?
The man’s got the love for Feyenoord too. Even when the team suffered a defeat, he didn’t pop a champagne cork; instead, he accepted the starting spot like it was the last piece of chocolate on a plate—grateful but not entirely thrilled about the situation. “We had lost, so that is never fun,” he said, proving that while winning is nice, losing still puts a dent in your match-day nachos.
He’s candid about the challenges he faced during his time off—the mental gymnastics of being benched while the world moves on: “It wasn’t easy. A lot has happened.” It’s the classic tale of every athlete—a bit of Head vs Heart action. But with the help of his loving girlfriend and family—let’s raise a toast to them for putting up with our future football gods—the ‘Hero of the Day’ worked hard and kept believing. Fantastic! But does anyone else find it funny how athletes spend thousands on personal trainers, and yet it’s often the girlfriend who keeps them grounded?
The Match Against AZ
Now, let’s chat about the match itself. In Bijlow’s own words, the first half was as pleasant as a dentist appointment. “We created little and did not get through easily.” A thrill ride it was not! But lo and behold, the second half was a different story, the kind that leaves you biting your nails off. According to Bijlow, that glorious 3-2 victory came “out of nowhere,” which sounds like my exams in school—except I got no three points for those! The moment they defended well after their fortunate comeback surely had the coach praying harder than a Sunday congregation.
So, my dear readers, here we find ourselves at the crossroads of triumph and potential disaster yet again. From Bijlow’s smiling face to the late-game drama, Feyenoord’s win against AZ had everything: heart, grit, and a shed load of hope. Now, let’s all cross our fingers for the upcoming match against RB Salzburg; because if they keep this up, I might have to reinstate my ‘fingers-crossed’ award for the best comeback of the year.
In a thrilling comeback, Feyenoord turned the tide in the second half, overcoming a 0-1 deficit to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory against AZ. Quinten Timber expressed his determination to demonstrate that the recent defeat to Ajax was merely a fleeting setback. With an eye on the upcoming clash against RB Salzburg on Wednesday, Brian Priske’s squad is under pressure to recalibrate their strategy swiftly and effectively.
“I am very happy,” Justin Bijlow begins with a big smile during an interview with ESPN. The talented goalkeeper made his much-anticipated return to the starting lineup, stepping back under the bar for the first time since May. “Being out there in my own Kuip, playing football again, fills me with joy. It’s always special to don the Feyenoord colors. After four months of absence, being allowed to play once more is certainly a reason to feel elated. The tension, as always, was palpable.”
Bijlow illustrates his deep-rooted affection for Feyenoord, noting that the recent Classic defeat tempered his excitement upon receiving the call from Priske to start. “Given that we had just lost, it’s tough to be exuberant. I only learned the day before the match that I would be starting, which was fantastic news. I then focused my energy on preparation and let the rest unfold.”
Bijlow, responding with a smile, opens up about his challenging months of rehabilitation. “It hasn’t been easy at all. So much has unfolded during this time. Of course, I wanted nothing more than to be out there playing, but I always maintained the mindset of being number one. I approached my recovery with diligence, bolstered by the unwavering support of those around me. I’m truly grateful to be back on the pitch.”
“The only way to bounce back is to remain resilient and not lose faith,” Bijlow asserts, acknowledging that his spirits weren’t always high during tough times. “I have a wonderful girlfriend and child, and along with my family, they have provided me with the strength to persevere. I am incredibly thankful for their support.”
The match against AZ
Reflection on the match reveals the struggles they faced. “The first half was particularly challenging. We dominated possession, yet struggled to create meaningful chances and found it difficult to penetrate their defense. Falling behind just before halftime was disappointing and shouldn’t have happened. Thankfully, we regrouped after the break. The 3-2 lead felt somewhat unexpected, and we managed to defend well thereafter. Securing those three points was crucial after what had been a difficult week.”
That the recent loss in the Classic match against Ajax didn’t overshadow his excitement about returning to the pitch. “We had lost, which is always disappointing. A day before the match, I found out I could start, and while that was exciting, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of our defeat. I prepared myself and tried to focus on the game ahead.” He emphasizes the emotional complexity athletes face when personal milestones collide with team struggles.
When asked how he navigated the challenges of his injury setback, Bijlow responds with a smile, “It wasn’t easy. A lot has happened. You want to be out there playing, but in my mind, I always saw myself as the number one choice. That’s how I approached my recovery. I’ve put in the hard work, and thankfully, I’ve had an incredible support system around me.” It’s clear that his friends and family, particularly his girlfriend and child, played crucial roles in his journey, providing him with the encouragement he needed to press forward. “I’m truly grateful for them,” he states.
As for the match itself, Bijlow candidly describes the first half as challenging, revealing that while they had possession of the ball, clear opportunities were scarce. “We fell behind just before halftime, which was frustrating and something we should avoid,” he reflects. Luckily, they found their rhythm in the second half, rallying back to secure a 3-2 victory. ”It felt like a moment out of nowhere,” Bijlow recalls, highlighting their successful defense following their comeback as vital, especially after a tough week of preparation.
In the wake of the exciting win against AZ, the Feyenoord faithful have every reason to feel optimistic, with Bijlow’s return being a significant boost. As they gear up for their clash against RB Salzburg, the atmosphere remains electric, filled with hope that this resurgence can carry them through the challenges ahead—both on and off the pitch.
