In a pulsating Eredivisie derby at De Kuip, Sparta Rotterdam emerged victorious over Feyenoord with a 4-3 win, thanks to a last-minute strike by Joshua Kitolano. The match, officiated by Danny Makkelie, was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams exchanging blows in a high-stakes encounter.
A First Half of Caution and Cards
The first half was marked by a cautious start from both sides, but it was Sparta who broke the deadlock in the 40th minute through J. Kitolano, assisted by T. Lauritsen. The half also saw a flurry of yellow cards, with J. Baas and A. Santos booked for Sparta, while A. Hadj Moussa was cautioned for diving.
Second Half Fireworks
The second half exploded into life with M. van Bergen doubling Sparta's lead in the 55th minute. Feyenoord responded swiftly, with Hwang In-Beom pulling one back in the 64th minute. However, Sparta's S. Mito restored their two-goal cushion just seven minutes later. Feyenoord's Shaqueel van Persie then scored twice in quick succession, leveling the score at 3-3 by the 88th minute, setting up a tense finale.
Kitolano's Late Heroics
Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Kitolano struck again in the 90th minute, securing a dramatic victory for Sparta. Despite Feyenoord's dominance in possession and shots, with 56% possession and 23 total shots, it was Sparta's clinical finishing that made the difference.
Looking Ahead
Feyenoord's recent form has been inconsistent, with this defeat following a draw against Twente. Meanwhile, Sparta Rotterdam's victory continues their impressive run, having overperformed against expectations in recent matches. Both teams will look to build on this thrilling encounter as they progress through the season.
