Preview · Champions League

Feyenoord's home record threatens Inter's unbeaten run against Dutch clubs

Both teams have three points after their first three league-phase matches, leaving little room for another defeat. Feyenoord welcome back Reiss Nelson and Shaqueel van Persie but remain without several defenders, while Inter have Benjamin Pavard available again but are missing Lautaro Martínez, Curtis Jones and John Stones, with Luis Henrique doubtful and Alessandro Bastoni suspended.

Editorial board · 3 November 2026 · Updated Tue 3 Nov, 21:00 EET

Feyenoord and Inter Milan prepare to face off in a high-stakes European fixture, highlighting both sides' rich continental histories. Collage: Talas & Talasim; ground photo: elwin594; home squad photo: Carlo Bruil (Carlo Bruil Fotografie) ;away squad photo: © FC Internazionale Milano / Inter.it

Feyenoord's home record against Italian visitors gives them a genuine advantage, but Inter's record against Dutch clubs is the stronger warning. The Rotterdam side are unbeaten in six Champions League group-stage or league-phase home matches against Italian opposition, winning four and drawing two.

Feyenoord's record at De Kuip against Italian sides gives them a narrow edge, but Inter's long unbeaten run against Dutch opposition should keep the visitors firmly in the game.

· Confirmed 21:00 EET · Line-ups: espn.com

Reiss Nelson and Shaqueel van Persie both make Feyenoord’s bench, with Nacho Ferri in the starting side. Inter start Pio Esposito and Marcus Thuram together, while Benjamin Pavard is among the substitutes.

Inter have not lost any of their last 14 European matches against Dutch clubs, winning ten and drawing four. Their last defeat in that sequence came against Feyenoord in April 2002, leaving both sides with a useful piece of history to draw on.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst can welcome back Reiss Nelson and Shaqueel van Persie, both included in the matchday squad. Jeremiah St. Juste remains unavailable, while Bart Nieuwkoop, Jordan Bos, Thomas Beelen and Jakub Moder are also out. Gijs Smal's availability remains uncertain.

Inter have Benjamin Pavard available again after his recovery, but the return does not remove the wider selection problems. Lautaro Martínez, Curtis Jones and John Stones are unavailable, Alessandro Bastoni is suspended and Luis Henrique remains doubtful.

Feyenoord have conceded the opening goal in each of their last six Champions League matches. Against an Inter side with an impressive record against Dutch opposition, another slow start would put their home advantage under immediate pressure.

Report · Spence gives Inter the early grip in Rotterdam →

Feyenoord 0 – 3 Inter

Tue 3 Nov, 22:00 EET · De Kuip

Missing

Feyenoord will be without Bart Nieuwkoop, Jordan Bos, Thomas Beelen, Jeremiah St. Juste and Jakub Moder. Gijs Smal remains a doubt. Inter are without Lautaro Martínez, Curtis Jones and John Stones through injury, while Alessandro Bastoni is suspended. Luis Henrique is doubtful. Benjamin Pavard has recovered and is available.

Coming in

Feyenoord have won twice and drawn twice in their last five matches, although their two most recent league outings both ended 1-1 against PSV and Fortuna Sittard. Inter had won four consecutive matches before Saturday's 3-1 derby defeat to Milan.

Between them

There have been only four competitive meetings: Feyenoord won 1-0 at Inter on 4 April 2002 before a 2-2 home draw on 11 April, then Inter won 2-0 in Rotterdam on 5 March 2025 and 2-1 in Milan on 11 March.

The hinge

Feyenoord's run of conceding first in six successive Champions League matches makes the opening spell crucial; another early setback would put their home advantage under pressure.