Sparta Rotterdam vs Willem

The 24th round of the 2024-25 Eredivisie season concludes at Sparta Stadion Het Kasteel on Sunday as Sparta Rotterdam faces Willem II in a crucial encounter. Both sides approach this clash desperate to regain form after suffering defeats in their recent fixtures.

Sparta Rotterdam endured a difficult end to 2024, failing to secure a single victory in their last 11 league matches, accumulating just three points from a possible 33. However, the turn of the year initially brought renewed hope, with Maurice Steijn's squad claiming eight points from their first four matches of 2025. Unfortunately, this brief resurgence was halted by consecutive losses to Feyenoord and Go Ahead Eagles, the latter occurring on February 14.

A lone goal from Jakob Breum, struck just past the half-hour mark, proved enough to sink Sparta Rotterdam, who once again failed to find the net for the second consecutive game. As the Eredivisie campaign enters its final stretch, Sparta finds itself entangled in a tense battle for survival. Sitting 16th in the standings, four points away from safety, every point gained or lost could prove decisive in their bid to remain in the Dutch top flight.

Defensive solidity has been one of Sparta's strengths this season, with the fewest goals conceded among the bottom-half teams. However, their struggles in front of goal have been a major hindrance, with only 19 goals scored across 23 matches. This lack of attacking firepower has significantly impacted their campaign, leaving them in a precarious position.

Sunday’s fixture presents an opportunity to improve on that tally against an opponent they have historically dominated in recent meetings. Sparta boasts six consecutive victories over Willem II, including a 2-1 triumph earlier in the season when the two sides met approximately seven months ago.

Meanwhile, Willem II's disappointing start to 2025 continued last week with a 3-1 defeat against Groningen at the Koning Willem II Stadion on February 15. This loss came on the heels of an impressive 1-1 draw with defending champions PSV Eindhoven, but their encouraging performance against PSV failed to translate into consistency.

Peter Maes's men found themselves trailing early against Groningen, with Dave Kwakman, Stije Resink, and Tika de Jonge all finding the net within the opening 20 minutes. Although Willem II managed to pull one goal back, the damage had already been done, leaving them unable to mount a meaningful comeback.

Having picked up just two points from their last six outings, Willem II’s mid-season comfort has swiftly deteriorated into a fight to avoid relegation. What once seemed like a season of relative security has now turned into a desperate struggle to remain in the top division.

Sunday’s encounter marks the beginning of a defining stretch of games in March for Willem II. Following this trip to Rotterdam, they will face FC Utrecht, Go Ahead Eagles, and Almere City, a series of matches that could determine their fate in the Eredivisie. Any hopes of survival hinge on their ability to secure crucial points in the coming weeks.

A key concern for Willem II heading into this fixture is their defensive frailties, having conceded nine goals in their last three away games. If they are to emerge from Rotterdam with a positive result, significant defensive improvements will be required to counter Sparta’s determination to break their scoring drought and climb out of the relegation zone.