Ismael Doukoure will not join the Cote d’Ivoire squad for the next international window, despite being reported as a possible replacement for the injured Odilon Kossounou.

The Strasbourg defender’s name had been widely discussed in Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday, with journalist Malick Traore reporting that Doukoure was expected to receive his first call-up for the Elephants. However, he was not included in the replacements announced by the Federation Ivoirienne de Football (FIF).

Instead, manager Herve Renard has selected Troyes centre-back Junior Diaz and Stade Brestois player Luck Zogbe.

The FIF confirmed that Kossounou and Guela Doue had both withdrawn from the squad because of injury. Diaz will provide cover in central defence, while Zogbe replaces Guela Doue on the right side.

Diaz, 23, has already made one appearance for Cote d’Ivoire. That came in October 2025 against the Seychelles.

Paris Saint-Germain beat Olympique de Marseille 2-1 at the Velodrome on Sunday evening to extend the home side’s difficult start to the Ligue 1 season.

Amine Gouiri started for Marseille and played a key role in their only goal, but his contribution was not enough to prevent another league defeat. The Algeria international sent Angel Gomes through with a well-weighted pass, allowing the England midfielder to level the match.

Paris had taken the lead through Ferran Torres, but Marseille responded after Gouiri’s pass opened up the visitors’ defence. Gouiri, who has already scored for OM this season, again demonstrated his importance to the team’s attacking play.

PSG restored their advantage through Marquinhos and held on despite Marseille’s late efforts to find a second equaliser. Nayef Aguerd came close in the closing stages, but the Morocco international’s headed attempt did not bring the hosts level.

The result leaves Marseille’s poor run in the league continuing.

Antoine Semenyo scored twice and provided an assist as Manchester City beat Sunderland in a remarkable Premier League contest at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

City remain unbeaten in the competition and moved to the top of the table after Arsenal suffered a surprise defeat the previous day. Sunderland, meanwhile, remain on four points.

The match featured a succession of impressive finishes and immediate responses from the visitors. Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring after catching Robin Roefs out with a well-placed free-kick into the corner.

Sunderland responded only three minutes later through Brian Brobbey. The Netherlands international, who had yet to score this season, worked his way past two defenders before calmly finishing to make it 1-1.

Rayan Cherki restored City’s lead after half an hour, but Sunderland again found an answer. Brobbey completed a well-worked move involving Enzo Le Fee and Thomas Meunier by turning the ball into an unguarded net, bringing the score to 2-2.

Sunderland could not prevent City from moving ahead for a third time before half-time. Semenyo reacted quickest to send an opportunistic volley past Roefs, giving Enzo Maresca’s unbeaten side a 3-2 advantage at the interval.

The second half continued in the same unpredictable fashion. Semenyo struck again after a lack of communication in the Sunderland defence, but Brobbey completed his hat-trick soon afterwards when he finished a counter-attack for the third time.

The Netherlands forward only had to tap the ball into the net to reduce the deficit to 4-3 and keep Sunderland within touching distance.

Brobbey came close to scoring a fourth, only for a City defender to block his effort. Sunderland were also presented with another opportunity to level when Gianluigi Donnarumma made a mistake, but Ruben Dias produced a crucial intervention to prevent the equaliser.

Manchester City eventually secured the three points late in the match when Erling Haaland sealed the home victory.

Semenyo’s contribution proved decisive for City, who maintained their unbeaten start and took advantage of Arsenal’s unexpected loss to claim first place. Sunderland were left without a point from the contest and remain stuck on four points.

Guinea have become the third team to qualify for next year’s Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Morocco after beating Liberia 2-0 in the third-place play-off of the West African Zone A qualifiers.

Boubacar Diallo scored twice in the space of 13 minutes, finding the net in the 63rd and 76th minutes to secure Guinea’s place at the tournament.

The result completes the list of qualifiers from the Union of West African Football Associations A (UFOA-A) competition. Senegal, who won the zonal tournament, and Gambia, the runners-up, had already secured their places.

Senegal will arrive in Morocco as the reigning African champions in this age group, while Guinea’s qualification comes after a tournament marked by scrutiny over the eligibility of their players.

Last month, the Federation Guineenne de Football (FGF) was forced to respond to allegations of “massive age fraud”. According to the claims, only 12 of the 38 players tested had passed bone examinations, while 22 had failed and four were waiting for another opportunity.

The Guinean federation rejected the allegations, describing them as “categorically” false and “totally unfounded”. It said the claims “are not based on any official or verifiable evidence”.

The FGF also said magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations had been carried out under the supervision of officials from the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF). The federation said the tests were intended to “anticipate and secure the official checks scheduled in Dakar”.

CAF has not yet issued a response to the allegations.

If the suspicions are eventually confirmed, Guinea could face another disqualification from the Africa U17 Cup of Nations. The country was removed from the competition in 2019 and 2024.

For now, their victory over Liberia means Guinea join Senegal and Gambia among the teams representing the West African Zone A at next year’s finals in Morocco.

Real Madrid have launched a strong attack on the officiating after their 2-1 defeat by Atletico Madrid, claiming referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias had a decisive influence on the outcome of Saturday evening’s derby at the Metropolitano.

The Spanish club published a match report on its official website under the headline: “A catastrophic refereeing performance decided the fate of the derby.”

Real Madrid highlighted a series of decisions they believed went against them during the match. They were particularly critical of an incident in the first half involving Cristian Romero and Jude Bellingham.

The Atletico Madrid defender made forceful contact with Bellingham’s knee. After consulting the VAR, Ortiz Arias went to the pitchside monitor to review the challenge but opted to show Romero only a yellow card.

Real Madrid also argued that Kang-in Lee should have been sent off following a foul on Federico Valverde.

The controversy continued after half-time when Dean Huijsen was penalised for a challenge on Giuliano Simeone. Huijsen was initially shown a yellow card and Atletico Madrid were awarded a penalty.

However, after another VAR review, Ortiz Arias checked the monitor and changed the punishment to a red card. Alejandro Grimaldo converted the resulting penalty.

The club’s official account described the referee’s display as “catastrophic” and said it had determined the outcome of the derby.

Jose Mourinho echoed Real Madrid’s criticism during his post-match news conference, saying: “All of this was very strange.”

The Portuguese manager also questioned the decision to appoint Ortiz Arias for the fixture.

“He is not an international referee, which suggests that he does not really belong to the elite,” Mourinho said. “This poor man arrived here and was unable to handle the pressure.”

Guinea defeated Liberia 2-0 at the Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor on Sunday to finish third in the UFOA A U17 tournament and qualify for the next Africa Cup of Nations U17.

The Syli National produced a disciplined performance in the regional competition’s third-place match, securing the bronze medal and the continental place at stake.

The opening half ended goalless, with neither side able to break through before the interval. Guinea eventually made the breakthrough in the 64th minute, when the Syli Cadet took the lead.

They then doubled their advantage in the 76th minute to put the result beyond doubt and complete a controlled victory over Liberia.

Boubacar Diallo scored and was named man of the match.

The result confirms Guinea as one of three teams from the UFOA A zone to qualify for the next Africa Cup of Nations U17, alongside Senegal and The Gambia.

North African federations are preparing for the UNAF Under-20 tournament, which serves as a qualifying competition for the Africa Cup of Nations Under-20.

With the tournament due to begin in the coming days, Morocco have announced a 25-player squad for the event.

The Young Lions will be seeking to underline their status as Under-20 world champions. They are also aiming for success on the continent after finishing as runners-up following defeat by South Africa’s Amajito.

Ziad Baha, who is included in the squad, and his team-mates will enter the competition with expectations high after Morocco’s recent achievements.

The Morocco squad for the UNAF Under-20 tournament is:

Chouaib Bellarouch, Gibril Bayoumi, Saad Antra, Ilyess El Arbaoui, Ilyes Hamdia, Ilyass Hiddaoui, Khalid Kasbi, Abderahmane Arkid, Taha Majni, Bilal Soukrat, Youssef Bellahsen, Adam Baalal, Hicham Mellali, Anas Benomar, Safouane Benzahra, Naoufel Bohamdi, Ugo El Kadmiri, Anas Slimani, Mohamed Mounssef, Yahya Iguiz, Ilyes Belmokhtar, Hamza Raji, Sami Bouhoudane, Ziad Baha and Hamza Bouhaddi.

Ismael Doukoure will not join Cote d’Ivoire’s squad for the upcoming international window, despite reports that the Strasbourg defender had been selected as cover for the injured Odilon Kossounou.

Junior Diaz has instead been called up by head coach Herve Renard, while Luck Zogbe has been added to replace Guela Doue, who has suffered a calf injury, the Federation ivoirienne de football (FIF) confirmed.

Doukoure had been reported as a late replacement for Kossounou, who was injured while playing for Atalanta. The 21-year-old was expected to join the Elephants for their matches against Ghana in Bouake on 24 September, Somalia in Abidjan on 29 September and Cameroon in Abidjan on 3 October.

However, the possibility of a first senior international call-up has now disappeared, at least for this gathering.

Diaz, who is 23, the same age as Doukoure, has played for Troyes for the past two years. He has made five appearances this season, starting all five matches.

The 1.93m defender has been selected by Cote d’Ivoire once before. Emerse Fae brought him on at half-time during a 7-0 victory over Seychelles on 10 October 2025.

The decision not to select Doukoure comes after Renard indicated last Wednesday that the player had been close to inclusion.

“Ismael Doukoure was not far from being in the list,” Renard said, adding that “it came down to very little”.

The manager explained that he had chosen to rely on the four central defenders who had represented Cote d’Ivoire at the World Cup and were currently performing well.

Kossounou’s withdrawal appeared to create an opening for Doukoure, who was in contention for his first senior call-up five years after ending his time with France’s youth teams. His international career with France had taken him from Under-19 level through to the Under-23s.

That opportunity has now been postponed, although the reasons for the late change remain unclear. The reversal has raised questions over the circumstances surrounding the move, with further clarification awaited.

Luck Zogbe’s inclusion, meanwhile, confirms the replacement of Guela Doue, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen and is nursing a calf problem.

Rafik Saifi has named five players eligible for Algeria for the first time in his squad for the Under-23 team’s opening camp of the season, while Kail Boudache has been rewarded for his impressive start to the campaign.

Algeria U23 will face South Africa in two friendlies on 30 September and 3 October. Saifi has chosen a balanced group featuring 11 players from the domestic game and about a dozen based in Europe.

Boudache, the 20-year-old OL winger, has been included for a second successive camp after making his Algeria U23 debut at the end of May and beginning of June. He has made nine appearances for the club this season.

He is joined by OM right-back Kelyann Bezahaf, also 20, and Adil Bourabaa, who has emerged as one of the early-season standouts at Le Mans.

Bourabaa has made five offensive contributions in five appearances, scoring three goals and providing two assists. The 21-year-old midfielder is currently the most decisive player at this stage of Ligue 1, alongside Lassine Sinayoko, Kamory Doumbia and Florian Thauvin.

The squad also includes five dual nationals receiving their first Algeria U23 call-ups.

The group is led by Yanis Senhadji, a 21-year-old striker playing for Real Jaen in Spain’s third tier. Senhadji won the European Under-19 Championship with Spain two years ago but chose Algeria several days ago.

Anis Ouzenadji, a 19-year-old left-back at Troyes, has also ended his association with France, for whom he previously played at Under-19 level. He has started the season as a regular in the Troyes side, making his fifth start in five possible Ligue 1 appearances on Saturday and supplying an assist.

Toulouse centre-back Gaetan Bakhouche, 21, is another first-time call-up. He featured regularly with the club’s reserve team and was frequently included in the professional squad last season, although he did not play.

The other two newcomers are 21-year-old striker Karim Boutera of Degerfors and Islam Ramla, a forward with Amiens in Ligue 3.

Among the Algeria-based players is MC Alger striker Ben Ahmed Kohili. The 21-year-old won a gold medal at the Mediterranean Games last month and finished as the competition’s leading scorer.

Kohili will make his U23 debut after previously representing Algeria at Under-20 and Under-21 level. His inclusion adds to the sense that Saifi is building a promising generation with the Olympic Games as a long-term target.

Feyenoord manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has welcomed the return to form of Anis Hadj Moussa after the Algerian winger’s proposed transfer fell through and he missed the club’s match against NEC.

Hadj Moussa made an immediate impact against FC Utrecht, scoring twice as Feyenoord secured a convincing victory at De Kuip. He produced the goals that put the hosts 1-0 and 3-0 ahead, continuing a run of performances that has impressed his manager.

“Given the way we started the match, and the pace and intensity imposed by the team, the game was almost over after half an hour,” Van Bronckhorst said.

“We then had to stay strong. It is entirely to the team’s credit that it never eased off the pressure and continued to score goals.”

Hadj Moussa was central to Feyenoord’s attacking momentum, and Van Bronckhorst believes the player’s response to recent setbacks has been particularly impressive.

“It is very impressive to see how he has managed to turn the situation around,” he said. “He is a real football enthusiast. He wants to be on the pitch and enjoy playing.

“That has been evident for the team in recent weeks, and he has shown his value in that respect. We all benefit from the fact that he has been able to change the situation so quickly.”

Feyenoord have scored 12 goals in their past two Eredivisie matches, although the upcoming international break will interrupt the rhythm built by the Rotterdam side.

Van Bronckhorst intends to use the pause as an opportunity to recover before preparing for their next challenge against AZ.

“We will take a bit of a breather,” he said. “Then we will get back to work at full speed and focus on every area that needs improvement.

“We have to reach this level again against AZ. All our efforts in the coming weeks will be focused on that objective.”

Feyenoord manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has welcomed the return to form of Anis Hadj Moussa after the Algerian winger’s proposed transfer fell through and he missed the club’s match against NEC.

Hadj Moussa made an immediate impact against FC Utrecht, scoring twice as Feyenoord secured a convincing victory at De Kuip. He produced the goals that put the hosts 1-0 and 3-0 ahead, continuing a run of performances that has impressed his manager.

“Given the way we started the match, and the pace and intensity imposed by the team, the game was almost over after half an hour,” Van Bronckhorst said.

“We then had to stay strong. It is entirely to the team’s credit that it never eased off the pressure and continued to score goals.”

Hadj Moussa was central to Feyenoord’s attacking momentum, and Van Bronckhorst believes the player’s response to recent setbacks has been particularly impressive.

“It is very impressive to see how he has managed to turn the situation around,” he said. “He is a real football enthusiast. He wants to be on the pitch and enjoy playing.

“That has been evident for the team in recent weeks, and he has shown his value in that respect. We all benefit from the fact that he has been able to change the situation so quickly.”

Feyenoord have scored 12 goals in their past two Eredivisie matches, although the upcoming international break will interrupt the rhythm built by the Rotterdam side.

Van Bronckhorst intends to use the pause as an opportunity to recover before preparing for their next challenge against AZ.

“We will take a bit of a breather,” he said. “Then we will get back to work at full speed and focus on every area that needs improvement.

“We have to reach this level again against AZ. All our efforts in the coming weeks will be focused on that objective.”

Feyenoord manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has welcomed the return to form of Anis Hadj Moussa after the Algerian winger’s proposed transfer fell through and he missed the club’s match against NEC.

Hadj Moussa made an immediate impact against FC Utrecht, scoring twice as Feyenoord secured a convincing victory at De Kuip. He produced the goals that put the hosts 1-0 and 3-0 ahead, continuing a run of performances that has impressed his manager.

“Given the way we started the match, and the pace and intensity imposed by the team, the game was almost over after half an hour,” Van Bronckhorst said.

“We then had to stay strong. It is entirely to the team’s credit that it never eased off the pressure and continued to score goals.”

Hadj Moussa was central to Feyenoord’s attacking momentum, and Van Bronckhorst believes the player’s response to recent setbacks has been particularly impressive.

“It is very impressive to see how he has managed to turn the situation around,” he said. “He is a real football enthusiast. He wants to be on the pitch and enjoy playing.

“That has been evident for the team in recent weeks, and he has shown his value in that respect. We all benefit from the fact that he has been able to change the situation so quickly.”

Feyenoord have scored 12 goals in their past two Eredivisie matches, although the upcoming international break will interrupt the rhythm built by the Rotterdam side.

Van Bronckhorst intends to use the pause as an opportunity to recover before preparing for their next challenge against AZ.

“We will take a bit of a breather,” he said. “Then we will get back to work at full speed and focus on every area that needs improvement.

“We have to reach this level again against AZ. All our efforts in the coming weeks will be focused on that objective.”

Ajax dropped two valuable points in a 2-2 draw with Excelsior at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Saturday evening, with Dutch newspapers saying the Amsterdam club had damaged its own title hopes.

Michel Sanchez’s side showed promise during the match but were punished by a goal conceded shortly before half-time and a series of missed chances, according to Algemeen Dagblad.

“Ajax stumble again against Excelsior in a thrilling match, despite Tolu’s spectacular introduction,” the newspaper said in its headline.

The report focused on the influence of substitute Tolu Arokodare, whose arrival from the bench immediately lifted the home crowd.

“The Ajax favourite Tolu had just been welcomed by an immense burst of joy from the supporters,” Algemeen Dagblad wrote. “The Nigerian striker immediately showed his talent: one minute after Excelsior’s 2-1 goal, he equalised with a subtle deflection following a fine move by Gloukh. The Johan Cruijff ArenA erupted with joy once again.”

Arokodare’s goal came shortly after Excelsior had moved ahead, giving Ajax a route back into the contest.

“Driven on by Tolu, Ajax did everything to claim all three points,” the newspaper added. “To do so, Ajax created several clear opportunities during the final 20 minutes.”

Oscar Gloukh struck the post, while Arokodare also saw an effort cleared off the line as Ajax pressed for a winner.

However, the home side could not find a third goal and had to settle for a draw. The result means Ajax lost further ground after failing to convert its late chances.

Ajax dropped two valuable points in a 2-2 draw with Excelsior at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Saturday evening, with Dutch newspapers saying the Amsterdam club had damaged its own title hopes.

Michel Sanchez’s side showed promise during the match but were punished by a goal conceded shortly before half-time and a series of missed chances, according to Algemeen Dagblad.

“Ajax stumble again against Excelsior in a thrilling match, despite Tolu’s spectacular introduction,” the newspaper said in its headline.

The report focused on the influence of substitute Tolu Arokodare, whose arrival from the bench immediately lifted the home crowd.

“The Ajax favourite Tolu had just been welcomed by an immense burst of joy from the supporters,” Algemeen Dagblad wrote. “The Nigerian striker immediately showed his talent: one minute after Excelsior’s 2-1 goal, he equalised with a subtle deflection following a fine move by Gloukh. The Johan Cruijff ArenA erupted with joy once again.”

Arokodare’s goal came shortly after Excelsior had moved ahead, giving Ajax a route back into the contest.

“Driven on by Tolu, Ajax did everything to claim all three points,” the newspaper added. “To do so, Ajax created several clear opportunities during the final 20 minutes.”

Oscar Gloukh struck the post, while Arokodare also saw an effort cleared off the line as Ajax pressed for a winner.

However, the home side could not find a third goal and had to settle for a draw. The result means Ajax lost further ground after failing to convert its late chances.

Feyenoord produced a commanding 5-0 victory over Utrecht, with Anis Hadj Moussa scoring twice as the Rotterdam club recorded only the second five-goal margin of victory over their opponents in Eredivisie history.

The hosts had established a 2-0 lead within 10 minutes, thanks to goals from Hadj Moussa and Nacho Ferri. It was Feyenoord’s fastest two-goal start to a match since 2017, when they were also managed by Giovanni van Bronckhorst and led Roda JC Kerkrade 2-0 after only five minutes.

Hadj Moussa added his second goal shortly after the half-hour mark, with the Algeria international finishing in almost identical fashion to his first. Starting from the right, he was left unmarked after Arthur Zagre’s involvement and calmly found the bottom corner at the near post.

Utrecht manager Correia made three substitutions at half-time, but Feyenoord extended their advantage soon afterwards. Mika Marmol was halted during an attack when Niklas Vesterlund was penalised for handball, allowing captain Luciano Valente to convert the resulting penalty and make it 4-0.

Utrecht had already been forced into a change before the interval after striker Artem Stepanov suffered an ankle injury. The forward left the pitch in tears, with the setback placing his first appearance for Ukraine in serious doubt. Stepanov had received his first call-up this month.

The four-goal deficit removed much of the contest’s tension, although Utrecht created opportunities after the break. Dani de Wit saw his effort blocked, while substitute Yoann Cathline was unable to make clean contact and score from close range.

Feyenoord completed the scoring when Gaoussou Diarra netted his first goal for the club after being set up by Zechiel. The assist came with national team manager Xavi Hernandez watching from the stands.

The result matched Feyenoord’s biggest winning margin against an Utrecht side in the Eredivisie, achieved only once before, in 1974. A sixth goal was not forthcoming, unlike in a previous meeting between Feyenoord and DOS, Utrecht’s predecessor, but the missed opportunity did not detract from the visitors’ satisfaction.

Feyenoord enter the international break with confidence and will return to action against AZ on 10 October. Utrecht, who remain in difficulty, will face Willem II after the break.

Ajax dropped two valuable points in a 2-2 draw with Excelsior at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Saturday evening, with Dutch newspapers saying the Amsterdam club had damaged its own title hopes.

Michel Sanchez’s side showed promise during the match but were punished by a goal conceded shortly before half-time and a series of missed chances, according to Algemeen Dagblad.

“Ajax stumble again against Excelsior in a thrilling match, despite Tolu’s spectacular introduction,” the newspaper said in its headline.

The report focused on the influence of substitute Tolu Arokodare, whose arrival from the bench immediately lifted the home crowd.

“The Ajax favourite Tolu had just been welcomed by an immense burst of joy from the supporters,” Algemeen Dagblad wrote. “The Nigerian striker immediately showed his talent: one minute after Excelsior’s 2-1 goal, he equalised with a subtle deflection following a fine move by Gloukh. The Johan Cruijff ArenA erupted with joy once again.”

Arokodare’s goal came shortly after Excelsior had moved ahead, giving Ajax a route back into the contest.

“Driven on by Tolu, Ajax did everything to claim all three points,” the newspaper added. “To do so, Ajax created several clear opportunities during the final 20 minutes.”

Oscar Gloukh struck the post, while Arokodare also saw an effort cleared off the line as Ajax pressed for a winner.

However, the home side could not find a third goal and had to settle for a draw. The result means Ajax lost further ground after failing to convert its late chances.

Feyenoord produced a commanding 5-0 victory over Utrecht, with Anis Hadj Moussa scoring twice as the Rotterdam club recorded only the second five-goal margin of victory over their opponents in Eredivisie history.

The hosts had established a 2-0 lead within 10 minutes, thanks to goals from Hadj Moussa and Nacho Ferri. It was Feyenoord’s fastest two-goal start to a match since 2017, when they were also managed by Giovanni van Bronckhorst and led Roda JC Kerkrade 2-0 after only five minutes.

Hadj Moussa added his second goal shortly after the half-hour mark, with the Algeria international finishing in almost identical fashion to his first. Starting from the right, he was left unmarked after Arthur Zagre’s involvement and calmly found the bottom corner at the near post.

Utrecht manager Correia made three substitutions at half-time, but Feyenoord extended their advantage soon afterwards. Mika Marmol was halted during an attack when Niklas Vesterlund was penalised for handball, allowing captain Luciano Valente to convert the resulting penalty and make it 4-0.

Utrecht had already been forced into a change before the interval after striker Artem Stepanov suffered an ankle injury. The forward left the pitch in tears, with the setback placing his first appearance for Ukraine in serious doubt. Stepanov had received his first call-up this month.

The four-goal deficit removed much of the contest’s tension, although Utrecht created opportunities after the break. Dani de Wit saw his effort blocked, while substitute Yoann Cathline was unable to make clean contact and score from close range.

Feyenoord completed the scoring when Gaoussou Diarra netted his first goal for the club after being set up by Zechiel. The assist came with national team manager Xavi Hernandez watching from the stands.

The result matched Feyenoord’s biggest winning margin against an Utrecht side in the Eredivisie, achieved only once before, in 1974. A sixth goal was not forthcoming, unlike in a previous meeting between Feyenoord and DOS, Utrecht’s predecessor, but the missed opportunity did not detract from the visitors’ satisfaction.

Feyenoord enter the international break with confidence and will return to action against AZ on 10 October. Utrecht, who remain in difficulty, will face Willem II after the break.

Feyenoord produced a commanding 5-0 victory over Utrecht, with Anis Hadj Moussa scoring twice as the Rotterdam club recorded only the second five-goal margin of victory over their opponents in Eredivisie history.

The hosts had established a 2-0 lead within 10 minutes, thanks to goals from Hadj Moussa and Nacho Ferri. It was Feyenoord’s fastest two-goal start to a match since 2017, when they were also managed by Giovanni van Bronckhorst and led Roda JC Kerkrade 2-0 after only five minutes.

Hadj Moussa added his second goal shortly after the half-hour mark, with the Algeria international finishing in almost identical fashion to his first. Starting from the right, he was left unmarked after Arthur Zagre’s involvement and calmly found the bottom corner at the near post.

Utrecht manager Correia made three substitutions at half-time, but Feyenoord extended their advantage soon afterwards. Mika Marmol was halted during an attack when Niklas Vesterlund was penalised for handball, allowing captain Luciano Valente to convert the resulting penalty and make it 4-0.

Utrecht had already been forced into a change before the interval after striker Artem Stepanov suffered an ankle injury. The forward left the pitch in tears, with the setback placing his first appearance for Ukraine in serious doubt. Stepanov had received his first call-up this month.

The four-goal deficit removed much of the contest’s tension, although Utrecht created opportunities after the break. Dani de Wit saw his effort blocked, while substitute Yoann Cathline was unable to make clean contact and score from close range.

Feyenoord completed the scoring when Gaoussou Diarra netted his first goal for the club after being set up by Zechiel. The assist came with national team manager Xavi Hernandez watching from the stands.

The result matched Feyenoord’s biggest winning margin against an Utrecht side in the Eredivisie, achieved only once before, in 1974. A sixth goal was not forthcoming, unlike in a previous meeting between Feyenoord and DOS, Utrecht’s predecessor, but the missed opportunity did not detract from the visitors’ satisfaction.

Feyenoord enter the international break with confidence and will return to action against AZ on 10 October. Utrecht, who remain in difficulty, will face Willem II after the break.

Ajax dropped two valuable points in the Eredivisie title race on Saturday as Excelsior recovered from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.

The hosts controlled possession for long periods and created enough chances to win, but Excelsior proved highly efficient in front of goal. The result gives PSV and AZ the opportunity to move five points clear on Sunday, while Feyenoord can open up a three-point advantage over their historic rivals.

Kasper Dolberg retained his place as Ajax’s starting striker, while Viktor Tsygankov made his first start after Steven Berghuis was ruled out. Michel Sanchez’s side immediately took control of the match, although clear openings were limited during the early stages.

Ajax also suffered an injury setback when Caio Henrique was forced off and replaced by Owen Wijndal.

The home side gradually began to find more space. Dolberg struck the crossbar, before Excelsior goalkeeper Van Gassel denied Thilo Kehrer’s header. Ajax finally broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute, when Julian Brandt converted a low cross from Oscar Gloukh.

As in Tuesday’s match against Willem II, the opening goal appeared to encourage Ajax to attack with greater purpose. Their passing became more fluid and a second goal seemed likely.

Excelsior, however, offered a greater threat than Willem II had managed. Ajax were punished after losing their intensity, with Lennard Hartjes bringing the visitors level. Excelsior were unsettled at times before the interval, but the Kralingers went into the break with the score at 1-1.

Ajax increased the pressure after half-time, but the match changed again shortly after the hour mark. Aymen Sliti, who is on loan from Feyenoord, put Excelsior in front with a surprise goal to make it 2-1.

The visitors’ lead lasted only briefly. Substitute Tolu Arokodare restored parity to the delight of the home crowd, finishing a move set up by Gloukh to make it 2-2.

Ajax then pushed for a winning goal and came close on several occasions. Van Gassel kept out a powerful effort from Anton Gaaei, while Gloukh hit the post. David Garden also cleared Tolu Arokodare’s header off the line.

Michel’s team continued to press Excelsior deep inside their own half and maintained a high tempo, but the chances continued to go unconverted. Tolu Arokodare struck the post with another header as Ajax were repeatedly denied by a combination of defending and misfortune.

The pressure continued until the final whistle, but Ajax could not find a third goal. Their failure to turn dominance into victory means they have surrendered important points in the Eredivisie title race.

Ajax dropped two valuable points in the Eredivisie title race on Saturday as Excelsior recovered from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.

The hosts controlled possession for long periods and created enough chances to win, but Excelsior proved highly efficient in front of goal. The result gives PSV and AZ the opportunity to move five points clear on Sunday, while Feyenoord can open up a three-point advantage over their historic rivals.

Kasper Dolberg retained his place as Ajax’s starting striker, while Viktor Tsygankov made his first start after Steven Berghuis was ruled out. Michel Sanchez’s side immediately took control of the match, although clear openings were limited during the early stages.

Ajax also suffered an injury setback when Caio Henrique was forced off and replaced by Owen Wijndal.

The home side gradually began to find more space. Dolberg struck the crossbar, before Excelsior goalkeeper Van Gassel denied Thilo Kehrer’s header. Ajax finally broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute, when Julian Brandt converted a low cross from Oscar Gloukh.

As in Tuesday’s match against Willem II, the opening goal appeared to encourage Ajax to attack with greater purpose. Their passing became more fluid and a second goal seemed likely.

Excelsior, however, offered a greater threat than Willem II had managed. Ajax were punished after losing their intensity, with Lennard Hartjes bringing the visitors level. Excelsior were unsettled at times before the interval, but the Kralingers went into the break with the score at 1-1.

Ajax increased the pressure after half-time, but the match changed again shortly after the hour mark. Aymen Sliti, who is on loan from Feyenoord, put Excelsior in front with a surprise goal to make it 2-1.

The visitors’ lead lasted only briefly. Substitute Tolu Arokodare restored parity to the delight of the home crowd, finishing a move set up by Gloukh to make it 2-2.

Ajax then pushed for a winning goal and came close on several occasions. Van Gassel kept out a powerful effort from Anton Gaaei, while Gloukh hit the post. David Garden also cleared Tolu Arokodare’s header off the line.

Michel’s team continued to press Excelsior deep inside their own half and maintained a high tempo, but the chances continued to go unconverted. Tolu Arokodare struck the post with another header as Ajax were repeatedly denied by a combination of defending and misfortune.

The pressure continued until the final whistle, but Ajax could not find a third goal. Their failure to turn dominance into victory means they have surrendered important points in the Eredivisie title race.