Feyenoord coach Robin van Persie believes Inter Milan received a questionable penalty during their Champions League victory over Feyenoord on Tuesday. He suggested that the penalty decision might have been given too easily by the officials.
Inter Milan secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals against Bayern Munich, defeating Feyenoord 2-1, resulting in a 4-1 aggregate win. Goals were scored by Marcus Thuram and Hakan Calhanoglu.
Van Persie acknowledged the difficulty of conceding an early goal but praised his team for leveling the score. He mentioned that the Feyenoord team felt they could make a comeback when Jakub Moder scored a penalty.
“The players worked hard and defended effectively, both with high and low pressure. There were moments for improvement, but we were up against a very strong team, and their pressing made it challenging,” Van Persie stated in the post-match press conference.
He added, “It’s always disappointing to concede early, but we felt great support from our fans throughout the match. The players gave their all, and I cannot ask for more.”
Inter regained their three-goal advantage in the tie with a penalty converted by Calhanoglu. Mehdi Taremi pursued a Feyenoord defender near the corner of the penalty area, leading to a foul and the penalty award.
When asked about believing in a comeback before Calhanoglu’s penalty, Van Persie responded, “Yes, and the players did too. Equalizing was a great moment, although we should have aimed for two more goals afterwards.”
“It was unfortunate to concede a goal right after halftime, especially from a penalty that appeared to be awarded somewhat easily.”