Depor stroll sends Feyenoord crashing out

RC Deportivo La Coruña ran Feyenoord ragged to kick-start their UEFA Cup campaign and knock their opponents out of Europe.

Up and running
Alberto Lopo struck first after half an hour, before a Kevin Hofland own goal and an Andres Guardado strike in successive minutes early in the second period opened Deportivo's Group H account in style. Victorious at the second attempt in the group stage, the Spanish side also inflicted a third straight defeat on the Dutch club, who won this tournament in 2002.

Pressure
Gertjan Verbeek's team have now conceded nine goals in the section, and their defensive frailties were soon evident in La Coruna. Mista headed wide from six metres from Guardado's free-kick to herald an early spell of pressure by Miguel Ángel Lotina's men. With the same forward also having a header hacked clear by Georginio Wijnaldum, a home goal looked imminent and it arrived when Lopo turned in at the near post Guardado's low cross from the left.

Weaknesses punished
A rare Feyenoord foray into opposition territory resulted in Depor keeper Daniel Aranzubia tipping Luigi Bruins's fierce attempt around the post. But the Eredivisie outfit's vulnerability was always close to the surface and Hofland put through his own net five minutes after half-time. Sixty seconds later, the contest was all but settled as Guardado sealed a fine display by firing into the top corner after receiving a pass from Cristian.

Makaay glimmer
Although Roy Makaay, once a Spanish Liga winner with the Galicians, almost marked his Riazor return with a goal, being denied by Aranzubia, the flow of play continued towards the Feyenoord end. Mista nodded wide from a corner and goalkeeper Henk Timmer had to save well from Angel Lafita as the Rotterdam team were well beaten.