Nesto Groen delivered a vital victory for Excelsior in the Rotterdam derby against Sparta with a late winning goal. The forward, who had been sidelined long-term, scored the only goal of the match in the 90th minute in Kralingen. This is reported by Voetbal International. The win comes at a key time for the club, which currently sits ninth in the Eredivisie with six points from three games.
How did the decisive match unfold?
The match between Excelsior and Sparta remained goalless for a long time. It wasn't until the final minute of regular time that Groen broke the deadlock. He had just entered the pitch as a substitute and immediately made his first contribution of the season. The three points are important for Excelsior's season start, boasting a +4 goal difference after scoring seven and conceding three. The team trails league leaders AZ Alkmaar by six points.
What preceded Groen's return?
Nesto Groen went through a deep valley. He struggled with long-term injuries and even had to undergo surgery. This caused him to miss a large part of the previous season. At the start of this campaign, he was not considered a regular option for the squad. His return in the derby was only his second appearance this season. Technical director Ruben Den Uil confirmed the difficult period: "Klopt, ik had hem nog nooit fit gezien."
What does this mean for Excelsior's position?
The victory gives Excelsior confidence for the coming weeks. The team has an inconsistent recent form with the sequence WLW. The next challenge is already on the horizon: an away match against Willem II on September 5th. Willem II currently sits fifteenth in the table. Fans can find the full schedule on the fixtures page. The current standings show a mid-table side aiming to climb higher.
How did the matchwinner react?
Groen was relieved after his goal. He indicated he had been through a tough time. "Ik dacht: bekijk het allemaal maar," said the attacker. It was his first league goal since his return. The player is now in his third year with the Kralingen-based club. His contractual status and further role within the squad can be followed via the official squad overview. Excelsior plays its next league match away against Willem II on September 5, 2026.
