Swinging Sparta even has top four in sight after resounding win over Heerenveen

Sparta, in its best season this century, may yet boldly attack the top four. With the win over sc Heerenveen (4-0), the Rotterdammers are practically assured of the playoffs for European soccer and still have everything to win in the last five games.

Whereas the gap with number nine Heerenveen is now 14 points, the gap with number four AZ is only two points.

The same AZ plucked Sven Mijnans from Het Kasteel in the winter transfer period, but even without that midfielder Sparta continues its remarkable season in the sub-top without any problems. And also without the ailing Maurice Steijn, the coach who saved the club from relegation last season.

Thanks to two shots, Sparta took firm control. With a beautiful streak by left back Mica Pinto before halftime, who kicked the ball precisely into the top corner after preparatory work by Koki Saito. And after the break by a lucky shot by Younes Namli, whose effort changed direction and rolled into the goal.

Although the victory over the meek Heerenveen seemed well within reach with that, the Sparta Marsch echoed through the speakers a few more times afterwards. First for Shurandy Sambo, who chased the 3-0 into the roof of the goal. And then for Vito van Crooij, who cut and turned to get himself free before he too got his goal.

As a result, Heerenveen still has a tough job to do to reach the playoffs. And striker Sydney van Hooijdonk could not be put in position to put him at the top of the Eredivisie scorers’ list with a goal.

Watch the reactions of trainers Jeroen Rijsdijk and Kees van Wonderen here:

It was Sparta’s night, which is now in fifth place. And will remain so for the time being if FC Utrecht wins Sunday against FC Twente.

Chances followed for the 5-0 and with it the biggest win of the season. But there will be more chances for Sparta in the final weeks of the season to outdo themselves.