Match Report
The table gap was wide: 24 points between Sparta Rotterdam (10th, 43 pts) and Heracles Almelo (18th, 19 pts). Sparta Rotterdam's recent output lagged their position: 17th on form over five rounds while 10th in the table. Scoring rates set the scale: Sparta Rotterdam 1.18 scored and 1.82 conceded per game, Heracles Almelo 1.03 and 2.5, with the league averaging 1.59.
17 previous meetings sit in the GioScore records — Sparta Rotterdam 4, draws 9, Heracles Almelo 4, at 2.71 goals per meeting. Only 18% of these meetings ended in a home win. Goals at both ends are the pattern: both teams scored in 76% of the meetings. The fixture has tightened lately: 1.8 goals per game over the last five meetings, down from 2.71 all-time.
The venue was Sparta-Stadion Het Kasteel, with room for 11,026 spectators. Sparta Rotterdam led 1-0 at the break, and the second half added 1 goal for the 2-0 full-time score.
Goal scorers
Sparta Rotterdam: Tobias Lauritsen (10'), Pelle Clement (88')
Key stats
Possession: Sparta Rotterdam 51% · Heracles Almelo 49% · Total shots: 22-6 · On target: 9-2 · Corners: 9-5