Inter Milan revived their UEFA Champions League campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Feyenoord at De Kuip in Rotterdam on 4 November 2026. England international Djed Spence played an instrumental role across both opening goals, orchestrating a dominant display that lifted the Italian side to 14th in the league-phase standings.
Spence Drives Early Dominance at De Kuip
The visiting side needed only eight minutes to break the deadlock in Rotterdam. Yann Bisseck was set free by Spence to begin the opening sequence, finding room outside the penalty box before sending a curling shot past goalkeeper Tjark Ernst. Anis Hadj Moussa looked dangerous for Feyenoord around the half-hour mark after a slick combination put him through, but his shot was successfully intercepted.
Inter doubled their advantage in the 34th minute when Spence delivered a shot that deflected into the path of Pio Esposito, who headed home from close range. Official statistics credited Spence with one assist for the opening goal, though his deflected pass ultimately created the second as well. Shortly after the second half began in the 54th minute, a third goal was scored when midfielder Piotr Zielinski moved into open territory beyond the area and unleashed a fierce strike that hit the post on its way into the goal. Esposito briefly appeared to add a fourth later in the match, but that effort was ruled out for offside.
UEFA Technical Observer Praise for the Wing-Back
The performance earned Spence the Man of the Match honor from the UEFA Technical Observer Group. The official evaluation highlighted his impact within Cristian Chivu’s 3-5-2 system, noting that he dominated the game in the first 35 minutes with two deliveries from the right to help Inter establish a commanding early lead, as well as achieving a high passing accuracy, showing blistering pace and demonstrating his world-class potential within Cristian Chivu’s 3-5-2 system.
Speaking to Inter TV after the final whistle, Spence reflected on his journey to the Italian club and his recent adaptation. Grateful for the win, I’m happy with my performance, I’m just happy,
he said. I’m adapting well, the team and manager welcomed me in. I feel good, I hope to help the team and they can help me.
Secured for the right wing-back position as a more affordable backup option after Chelsea surpassed Inter’s bid for Atalanta’s Marco Palestra, the English player filled that vacancy. Injuries forced the former Tottenham Hotspur player to wait until October 10 before making his debut in the Nerazzurri jersey against Parma Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. Prior to the match in Rotterdam, where he registered his debut goal contribution for the Serie A side, Spence had gone 16 total European appearances across his time with Tottenham and Rennes without ever recording a single assist.
Standings Context and European Fixtures Ahead
The victory arrived at a critical juncture following a 3-1 defeat against city rivals AC Milan in Serie A, which ended Inter’s unbeaten domestic start. The win in Rotterdam moved Inter to six points from four league-phase matches. Meanwhile, Feyenoord remained on three points in 30th place, leaving their knockout play-off hopes under pressure.
Feyenoord will host Porto on November 24 in search of points to keep their European campaign alive. Inter will return to UEFA Champions League action the following day, traveling to face Stuttgart on November 25.