Sparta Rotterdam secured a narrow 1-0 away victory over Excelsior SBV in an Eredivisie match at Van Donge & De Roo Stadion on September 14th. A single goal decided this Rotterdam derby, providing Sparta with valuable points and local bragging rights. The match was a cagey affair with few clear chances, but Sparta made the breakthrough in the second half following a swift counter-attack. Excelsior pressed for an equalizer in the closing stages but found the Sparta defense, marshaled by their captain, impossible to break down. This result gives Sparta Rotterdam a positive start to their away campaign and leaves Excelsior reflecting on a frustrating derby defeat at home.