Excelsior Rotterdam secured a significant 2-1 home victory over Sparta Rotterdam in the Eredivisie on Friday, 29 August 2026. The Kralingers took the lead through Aymen Sliti, saw Sparta equalize, but snatched all three points in stoppage time thanks to Nesto Groen.
The match statistics, as reported by ESPN.nl, show a team that took its chances. Excelsior had 44% possession compared to Sparta's 56%. The home side managed five shots on target from 25 attempts, a 33% accuracy rate. Sparta had two shots on target from ten attempts. Excelsior created one big chance, matching their opponent. The Rotterdam side won 45 duels, took six corners, and completed 293 of 371 passes successfully (79%). Sparta was slightly more accurate in passing at 83% and won 55 duels.
How did the goals unfold?
Aymen Sliti opened the scoring for Excelsior in the 24th minute. His goal came from open play, from twelve meters out, and was struck with his right foot low into the left corner. Sparta fought back in the second half. Just three minutes after the break, in the 48th minute, Milan Zonneveld leveled the score. The match seemed headed for a draw, but in the second minute of added time, Nesto Groen delivered the winner. His late strike earned Excelsior the three points.
The match featured more action. Excelsior's goalkeeper made one save, while his Sparta counterpart made three. Notable Excelsior attempts included a close-range header from a corner saved low to the left, a 28-meter shot stopped low to the right, and a counter-attack effort from 26 meters that was also saved. Manager Marinus Dijkhuizen's team fired several shots from outside the box, but their accuracy inside the area proved decisive.
What does this win mean for the table?
The victory aids Excelsior's position in the league standings. Coming into this matchday, the club was tenth in the Eredivisie with three points from two games. The team has one win, no draws, and one loss, with a recent form of loss then win. They have scored five goals this season and conceded two, for a goal difference of plus three. The gap to leaders AZ Alkmaar is six points. Fans can follow the current position on our standings page.
Who was missing for Excelsior?
A key absentee from the squad was David Garden. The player is currently sidelined with an injury. His recovery and availability for upcoming matches can be tracked on the club's injuries page. His absence required adjustments to the lineup, but the team found sufficient solutions on the pitch.
What's next for Excelsior?
Excelsior's next assignment is an away match against Willem II on Saturday, 5 September 2026. Willem II currently sits sixteenth in the table, presenting an opportunity to collect points. Preparation for this fixture begins immediately. The full schedule can be found in the fixtures overview. The win against Sparta provides confidence for the coming weeks, where consistency will be key to remaining in the mid-table region.
