Feyenoord finally halted a worrying slump as they claimed a much-needed 3–0 victory over Austrian champions Sturm Graz in the UEFA Europa League, ending a seven-game winless run in all competitions.

Under mounting pressure following just two wins from their previous 12 matches, manager Robin van Persie received a timely boost with the return of top scorer Ayase Ueda to the starting lineup for Feyenoord’s final home game of the League Phase.

The encounter carried significant weight for the Rotterdam side, who began the night one point behind Sturm Graz and knew victories in their final two fixtures were essential to keep hopes of a top-24 finish alive.

Van Persie got the fast start he was craving when Japanese defender Tsuyoshi Watanabe opened the scoring early on, rising highest to head home Sem Steijn’s corner. It proved to be one of the few bright moments in an otherwise subdued first half, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Ueda came closest to doubling the lead before the interval but failed to direct his late header on target.

Feyenoord emerged with greater intent after the break and were eventually rewarded. Goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther launched a long kick forward that released Anis Hadj Moussa, who showed strength and composure to fire past Daniil Khudyakov at the near post.

With Sturm Graz offering little response, substitute Leo Sauer nearly added a moment of flair with an inventive backheel effort, though it lacked the power to trouble the Russian goalkeeper.

The hosts sealed a relieving win late on through former Porto winger Gonçalo Borges. A driving run from Cyle Larin drew defenders before Shaqueel van Persie — the manager’s son — cleverly flicked the ball into Borges’ path, allowing him to smash home Feyenoord’s third.

The victory marked Feyenoord’s first since December 6 and lifted them to within two points of the top 24 ahead of a daunting final League Phase fixture away to Real Betis.

Sturm Graz’s struggles continued with a sixth defeat in eight matches across all competitions. The Austrian side are now all but eliminated from the Europa League and are set to host Norwegian outfit SK Brann in what is likely to be their final European appearance of the season.