Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie is under continuous pressure at the Rotterdam club following a dire run of just two wins in 12 games across all competitions. The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker was given a boost ahead of their final home game in the UEFA Europa League's League Phase, however, with top scorer Ayase Ueda returning to the starting XI.
The clash with Sturm Graz was pivotal for Feyenoord, who were one point behind the Austrian outfit and had to win both of their last two League Phase games to have a chance at finishing in the top-24.
Japanese centre-half Tsuyosho Watanabe gave Van Persie his desired hot start after giving Feyenoord a quick lead, heading home from a corner from Sem Steijn.
It was a rare moment of excitement in an otherwise drab first half, with neither side creating much danger before the break. Ayase Ueda would come close for Feyenoord once more, but the Japanese striker couldn't aim a late header between Daniil Khudyakov's posts.
Van Persie's men upped the pressure after the break and finally found a second breakthrough after a handful of small chances - Anis Hadj Moussa was launched by a long kick from Timon Wellenreuther and scored Feyenoord's second with a strong finish at Khudyakov's near post.
With the Austrian visitors nowhere to be seen, Feyenoord substitute Leo Sauer nearly produced a moment of magic with a backheel attempt, but it had too little power to test the Russian stopper.
Former Porto winger Goncalo Borges put the exclamation mark on a relieving win for the hosts - Cyle Larin's long strides put Shaqueel van Persie, Robin's son, in a position to extend the ball with a backheel pass and reach Borges, who smashed it in the Austrian net.
Feyenoord finally won their first game since December 6th, and a crucial one at that - Thursday's three points provisionally put Feyenoord two points behind the top 24. The Rotterdam outfit will finish their League Phase with an away game at Real Betis.
Sturm Graz, meanwhile, saw their dire run continue as they suffered their sixth defeat from their last eight games. The Austrians are as good as eliminated from the UEFA Europa League and will host Norwegian side SK Brann in what will likely be their last European game of the season.
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