From Toronto San Antonio to Rotterdam: A New Chapter for Spurs in the 6

For years, Spurs in the 6 has been a space where I’ve shared my thoughts, frustrations, and celebrations as a San Antonio Spurs fan living in Toronto. It’s been a journey of long nights, League Pass subscriptions, and explaining to Raptors fans why I still wear black and silver. But today marks a new chapter.

Last year, I found myself in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and as luck woudl have it, I attended a Feyenoord match at De Kuip. What I experienced there—the passion, the singing, the flares, the sheer electricity—was unlike anything I’d felt in a sports stadium before. I was hooked. And just like that, I adopted Feyenoord as my team in the Eredivisie.

So, while the Spurs will always be my first love, Spurs in the 6 is expanding. It’s now about the experience of being a sports fan abroad—of finding community, passion, and identity in unexpected places. And what better way to kick off this new direction than with a recap of Feyenoord’s thrilling 3-1 victory over Panathinaikos in the UEFA Europa League?

Feyenoord 3 - 1 Panathinaikos: A Night of Wind, Flares, and Redemption

The Storm Before the Storm

The match was nearly derailed by Storm Benjamin, which swept through the Netherlands with such force that the kickoff time was changed twice. Originally scheduled for early evening, the game was finally played at 9:00 PM local time, with the KNMI issuing a code orange warning for the region. Despite the chaos, 37,169 fans packed into De Kuip, braving the wind and rain to support their club.

And what an atmosphere it was. The flares lit up the night sky, the singing reverberated through the stadium, and the wind only seemed to amplify the drama. It was quintessential Feyenoord—raw, passionate, and unrelenting.

The Match: A Game of Grit and Flair

Feyenoord started slowly, conceding in the 18th minute to a goal from Karol Świderski. Panathinaikos looked sharp early, and for a moment, it felt like the storm outside had crept into the team’s rhythm.

But then came Aymen Sliti. Wait, who?

Sliti has had a mixed start to his Feyenoord career, struggling at times to find consistency. But this match represented a step forward. Starting on the left wing, he showed flashes of the creativity and composure that fans have been hoping for. Just before halftime, he delivered a well-placed cross to Givairo Read, who slotted it home to equalize at 45+3’. The crowd erupted, and the momentum shifted.

In the second half, Sliti contributed again, setting up Anis Hadj Moussa, who danced past defenders and curled a beauty into the far corner in the 55th minute. Sliti finished the night with two assists, a performance that could help him build confidence moving forward.

Later, Cyle Larin came off the bench to score the third goal in the 90th minute, sealing Feyenoord’s first win in the Europa League group stage this season.

After the match, head coach Robin van Persie praised the team’s resilience:

“We showed character tonight. The conditions were tough, but the boys adapted and kept pushing. It’s a step in the right direction.”1

Filling the Void: The Left Wing Puzzle

With Igor Paixão now at Marseille, Feyenoord are still searching for a reliable solution on the left wing. The position has become a focal point for the team’s tactical evolution this season. Whether it’s Sliti finding form or Jakub Moder stepping up, someone needs to claim that role and make it their own.

Moder, who has been tested in various midfield roles, is being considered as a long-term option on the wing. His blend of pace and discipline could be key, but it’s clear that Feyenoord need consistent production from that side of the pitch to maintain their attacking threat—especially in tight matches like the one coming up.

Eyes on the Prize: PSV Awaits

This win was more than just three points—it was a statement ahead of Sunday’s massive Eredivisie clash against PSV Eindhoven. Both teams are at the top of the table, and the match at De Kuip could have serious implications for the title race. Feyenoord are unbeaten in the league, while PSV are scoring for fun, fresh off a 6-2 demolition of Napoli in Europe.

It’s a fixture that promises fireworks, and I’ll be watching every minute.

Looking Ahead: Volendam and a Return to Rotterdam

As fate would have it, I’ll be back in the Netherlands at the end of the month, and I’m thrilled to say I’ll be attending the Feyenoord vs FC Volendam match on November 1st at De Kuip. It’ll be my third time in that iconic stadium, and I can’t wait to soak in the atmosphere again—hopefully with another win to celebrate.

Final Whistle

This match was a microcosm of what makes football so special. The weather, the fans, the drama, the comeback—it was all there. And for me, it was a reminder that being a sports fan isn’t just about geography. It’s about connection. It’s about finding your tribe, wherever you are.

So whether it’s the Spurs in San Antonio or Feyenoord in Rotterdam, Spurs in the 6 is now about the global game, the global fan, and the stories that unite us across borders.

See you at De Kuip!