Sparta Rotterdam defeated FC Groningen under-21 3-2 in the decisive match. The team of Melchior Schoenmakers gave up a 2-0 lead. After winning the overall national championship, FC Groningen under-21 was only two games away from promotion to the Tweede Divisie. The resistance is much higher there, with opponents like IJsselmeervogels and Quick Boys. ACV, coached by Paul Matthijs, was relegated from the Tweede Divisie this season. After FC Groningen drew 1-1 against Jong Sparta last Saturday, everything was still open on Wednesday evening in Rotterdam. However, according to Schoenmakers, it was clear that Sparta normally plays at a higher level. The difference lies in the duel strength. You have to think and act faster. Initially, there was little to see of this difference in Rotterdam, as FC Groningen scored twice within half an hour in a evenly matched game. After a quarter of an hour, the ball came to the feet of Yenio Holder. With a calm chip past goalkeeper Rik Suur, he made it 1-0. A quarter of an hour later, Schoenmakers' team even took a 2-0 lead thanks to a goal from Levi Roeland. Just before half-time, the Rotterdammers brought the tension back with a beautiful long-range shot from Viggo Guit. Sparta remained the better team and came close a few times, but FC Groningen went into the break with a lead. After the break, Sparta quickly equalized, as the ball was back in the net within three minutes. Gianno Vianello scored the goal for Jeff Stans' team. After that, the home team remained the better party, without creating many big chances. A quarter of an hour before time, Sparta took a 3-2 lead and the Rotterdammers did not give up their lead. Sparta Rotterdam's victory was a deserved win, given the performances of the players. The club can now look ahead to the next games. It is important to keep the focus and not look too much at the result of this game. The players of Sparta Rotterdam must continue to work on their skills and prepare for the next challenges. The team's coach, Jeff Stans, will be pleased with the result and the performance of his team. The win is a boost for the team and will give them confidence for the next games.