Sparta took the lead in the 20th minute thanks to an own goal from defender Redouan El Yaakoubi. The Excelsior captain slipped a low cross past goalkeeper Stijn van Gassel. In the rest of the first half, Excelsior had the better chances. Marinus Dijkhuizen’s team finally used it just before half-time. Couhaib Driouech, who entered the team in the 9th minute for the injured Marouan Azarkan, finished after a complicated situation.
Despite the lesser game, Sparta also scored the first in the second half. After a fine header from striker Tobias Lauritsen, Koki Saito finished beautifully for the keeper. In the 56th and 60th minutes, Lauritsen and captain Bart Vriends both headed in after a Vito van Crooij corner.
Sparta reduced the gap to number 5 FC Twente to just 1 point with the big win. Excelsior last won on January 20 and are fully involved in the fight against relegation. The lead over number 16 FC Emmen is 2 points.