SV Meppen Edge Sparta Rotterdam in Thrilling Friendly

SV Meppen produced a spirited second-half performance to defeat Dutch side Sparta Rotterdam 3-2 in an International Club Friendly at the Hänsch-Arena on July 18, 2026. The match, attended by around 4,500 fans, provided an intense workout for both teams as they continue their pre-season preparations.

Fast Start for Sparta

Sparta Rotterdam came flying out of the blocks, demonstrating their technical superiority early on. Inside five minutes, winger Thomas van den Berg cut inside from the left and curled a sensational shot into the top corner. Meppen looked rattled, and Sparta doubled their lead in the 22nd minute when striker Jordy van der Hoek tapped in from a low cross.

The German third-division side, however, grew into the contest. Just before halftime, Meppen's captain Lukas Franke rose highest to meet a corner and powered a header past the Sparta keeper, reducing the deficit to 2-1 at the break.

Meppen's Second-Half Turnaround

The home side emerged with renewed energy after the interval. Coach Stefan Müller made tactical adjustments, pressing higher and targeting Sparta's full-backs. The equalizer came in the 57th minute when Marco Richter latched onto a through ball and slotted calmly under the goalkeeper.

With momentum on their side, Meppen completed the comeback in the 72nd minute. A swift break saw Felix Wagner pick out the run of Maximilian Weber, who finished first-time from 12 yards. Sparta pushed for a late equalizer but were denied by a combination of last-ditch defending and a fine save from Meppen's keeper Jonas Schäfer.

What It Means

For SV Meppen, this result signals promising form ahead of their league campaign. The resilience shown after going two goals down will boost confidence. Sparta Rotterdam, meanwhile, will take positives from their fluid first-half display but will need to address defensive lapses in concentration. The friendly served its purpose, giving both managers plenty to analyze.

• SV Meppen now unbeaten in three pre-season friendlies.
• Sparta Rotterdam suffered their first defeat of the summer.
• Attendance estimated at 4,500 – a solid turnout for a friendly.