Excelsior vs Sparta Rotterdam — match summary
Netherlands · Eredivisie · kick-off 29 Aug 2026 21:30
Full time · score 2-1
pPS pre-match readiness (0-100): Excelsior 41 · Sparta Rotterdam 41
mPS in-play performance (0-100): Excelsior 44 · Sparta Rotterdam 41
Shots on target 4-2 · corners 6-4 · possession 43-57
NextGOAL tip: Excelsior (level) · 2 stars
One set of numbers is more interesting than the result of the opening match: Sparta Rotterdam conceded 36% of their total goals in the last 30 matches during the 76-90 minute period, while Excelsior scored most frequently in the 31-45 minute period at 21%, but conceded as much as 27% in the 46-60 minute period — meaning this game has a high chance of opening up in the second half, and the late-game moments are likely to be decisive. Sparta Rotterdam's recent form is a 3-3 draw away at FC Utrecht (Eredivisie 22 Aug), while Excelsior just lost 1-2 at home to PSV (Eredivisie 15 Aug). However, in the last 6 meetings between these two, wins have alternated, with neither team winning consecutive matches, and in the most recent meeting in May 26, Sparta Rotterdam lost 2-3 at home — with both teams having weaknesses at different periods like this, a draw is the most logical outcome.