Santiago Giménez played a pivotal role in Feyenoord’s impressive 3-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, scoring twice in the first half to strengthen his team’s hopes of securing a top-eight finish.
The Mexico striker opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a precise shot before adding a second from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time.
Substitute Ayase Ueda sealed the win with a third goal in the 89th minute, following a string of strong saves from Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, who denied Bayern with a series of crucial stops.
With just one matchday left, Feyenoord moved up to 11th place with 13 points, surpassing Bayern, who remained on 12 points in 15th place after suffering their third defeat in seven matches.
The top eight teams qualify for the round of 16, while the next 16 proceed to a playoff.
The hosts dominated the rainy encounter from the outset when Giménez latched onto a deep cross from Gijs Smal, shrugged off a defender, and calmly beat Manuel Neuer with a crisp strike.
Bayern, who lead the Bundesliga and had won all three of their league games this year, tried to respond quickly, but Bijlow was in top form, denying Harry Kane just before halftime.
Feyenoord extended their lead just before the break when Raphaël Guerreiro fouled Calvin Stengs in the box, allowing Giménez to convert the penalty and double their advantage in the 45th minute.
After halftime, Feyenoord continued to keep Bayern at bay, with Igor Paixão firing over the bar in the 51st minute.
But Bayern increased their pressure in search of a goal. Bijlow was called into action again, saving another Kane attempt in the 54th minute and then brilliantly palming Jamal Musiala’s header over the bar on the hour mark.
Leroy Sané nearly pulled one back in the 70th minute, hitting the post, while Michael Olise missed a close-range header in the 85th minute, as Bayern’s frustration mounted. With time running out, Ueda finished off the match with a goal in the 89th minute.
Feyenoord will face Lille in their next match, while Bayern will take on Slovan Bratislava.
