Increase pressure
A yellow card for Jesse Bosch seemed to wake up Willem II. Willem II, who had lost the last two matches against Sparta, were able to use the spaces better after half an hour of play. The Tricolores were able to reach each other better as a result, which resulted in three dangerous moments. Sparta goalkeeper Nick Olij was an obstacle for the Tricolores. Nick Doodeman put a cross on the head of Cisse Sandra, who saw his header saved in the far corner by Nick Olij. Shortly afterwards, Olij saved a shot from Kyan Vaesen and Sandra. Willem II pressed, but did not score, so the score was 0-0 at half time.
Initiative of Sparta
Where Willem II dominated at the end of the first half, it was Sparta that took the initiative in the early stages of the second half. The first Spartan opportunity was a hit. The ball unfortunately ended up at the feet of Pelle Clement who left Thomas Didillon-Hödl with no chance with a good shot: 0-1. A long VAR check ensured that Willem II stayed alive. Sparta seemed to be on the verge of 0-2 from a free kick by Julian Baas. The ball ended up at the feet of Rick Meissen via Mike Eerdhuijzen who slotted the 0-2 in at the far post, except that offside was not observed at the free kick taken.
Debut of the newcomers
The Tricolores had a hard time creating chances, so Willem II coach Peter Maes decided to provide his team with fresh blood for the final phase of the match. This week, winger Amar Fatah and midfielder Boris Lambert signed their contracts in Tilburg and were able to underline that with their debut in the first team. Lachkar and Doodeman went to the sidelines. Rob Nizet and Jeremy Bokila also came on the lines for Rúnar Thór Sigurgeirsson and Jesse Bosch.
