10 Sep 2002

The fans' long wait for the debut of Chilean midfielder Sebastián Pardo was rewarded with the sight of a goal by the young and talented midfielder. Former Willem II striker Mariano Bombarda joined in the fun with a first goal since signing for the Feyenoorders in the last minute of the match for the 4-1. Pierre van Hooijdonk hadd the score for Feyenoord with a spot-shot in the 11th for hands-ball by Danny Buys and added a free-kick special only 3 minutes later for the 2-0. Brian Pinas, who'd gone backwards and forwards between the two clubs during the summer, got one back for Excelsior in the 24th hitting home the rebound from Brett Holmann's attempt which Edwin Zoetebier failed to get under control. Excelsior contributed some attractive football during the rest of the half but their 'big brother' had the best chnaces with a Brett Emerton shot going wide, Danny Buys having to help out on the goalline to clear a Van Hooijdonk header and goalie Zbigniew Malkowski stopping Paul Bosvelt's shot. Pardo, who provided the pass for Bosvelt's attempt, had come on in the 38th minute for the disappointing Anthony Lurling. The 20 year-old took only 15 minutes to score his first for Feyenoord, rounding off Thomas Buffel's pass for the 3-1 in the 53rd minute. The match-tension disappeared after that, despite several more chances for the home team. Feyenoord's other debutant of the evening, Argentinian striker Mariano Bombarda (who appeared in the 70th to loud applause) took a little longer to join in the fun and score but finally found the back of the net in the 90th for the 4-1.