Rovers qualify after stalemate

12 April 2012

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes may be enduring a difficult time at home but in Europe it is a different story as he saw his side secure passage into the knock-out stages of the UEFA Cup with a hard-earned point in Rotterdam.

Blackburn had some difficult moments against a Feyenoord side who have won five successive league games. But they showed good organisation and a high work ethic to get the result they needed.

Benni McCarthy put Feyenoord on the back foot as early as the seventh minute when he split the defence with a good through-ball. However, strike partner Shabani Nonda was slow to react and the chance was lost.

A minute later Nonda saw his close-range effort parried into the side-netting by goalkeeper Henk Timmer.

Feyenoord almost took the lead with their first real attack with goalkeeper Brad Friedel doing well to block a shot from Angelos Charisteas.

The Dutch side were growing in confidence and Charisteas headed into Friedel's arms in the 31st minute following a cross from Joonas Kolkka.

The home side swept forward again in the 40th minute and Nicky Hofs fired in a shot from the edge of the area.

However Ooijer remained alert and made a crucial block much to Blackburn's relief. The Holland international certainly did not look as though the injury he had suffered was troubling him as he was running free.

Hughes was out of his dugout in the 60th minute when Bentley was floored by Serginho Greene but the referee waved play on.

Robbie Savage almost made the breakthrough in the 82nd minute after being picked out by McCarthy but dragged his shot wide. However it did not really matter as Blackburn got the result they wanted to progress to the next stage.

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