Excelsior 2-1 Sparta Rotterdam result, stats and report

Ajax dominated every statistical category but could not hold on, with Excelsior scoring twice from minimal chances to earn a 2-2 draw at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Connor Maguire gives his verdict on a result that has no excuse.

SC Heerenveen were ruthless and clinical at Sparta Rotterdam, scoring four without reply to hand the struggling hosts a humiliating home defeat. Courtens, Trenskow, Rivera, and Farji all got on the scoresheet as Heerenveen outclassed a Sparta side that offered nothing going forward.

Sven Mijnans scored three times as PSV Eindhoven dismantled Sparta Rotterdam 4-1 at home, extending their unbeaten Eredivisie run with a performance that was dominant from the first whistle.

Utrecht claimed a 2-1 victory at Excelsior in the Eredivisie despite being outworked for large portions of the match, with Dani de Wit's stoppage-time finish settling it after Aymen Sliti had equalised for the hosts.

Excelsior came from behind twice to snatch a 2-2 draw at NEC Nijmegen, but the hosts will feel they let two points slip after dominating large periods of the match. Noé Lebreton's stoppage-time equaliser saved Excelsior from defeat.

Sparta Rotterdam host Willem II on Saturday evening with both sides desperately short of wins and, frankly, short of basic defensive standards. This one has goals written all over it, and not in a good way for either backline.

SC Heerenveen have not won in five Eredivisie matches and now face an Excelsior side that has scored 25 goals across their last ten. Someone has to stop the bleeding.

Two leaky defences, a recent head-to-head that ended 2-2, and both sides desperately needing three points. Saturday at De Adelaarshorst has the makings of a proper match.