Excelsior took revenge on Friday evening for the defeats against PSV (3-1) and FC Groningen (0-2 in the TOTO KNVB Cup) last week. The Rotterdam team convinced on their own field and won with resounding numbers against the poor SC Heerenveen: 3-0. Earlier this season, Excelsior won with the same figures against the Frisians in the Abe Lenstra Stadium.

Excelsior's first goal attempt was a direct hit in the eighteenth minute. Troy Parrott served Couhaib Driouech, who passed Andries Noppert from close range: 1-0. It was the start of a very painful evening for the disappointing Heerenveen.

The Frisians were making a huge mistake at 2-0 after 25 minutes of play. Denzel Hall thought that Patrik Walemark's pass was not intended for him and therefore let the ball run. Parrott was quick to outwit Noppert, much to the delight of the Excelsior fans.

It was a wonder that Excelsior had not already decided the match after half an hour. Lazaros Lamprou and Parrott headed onto the post, after which Kenzo Goudmijn shot well over from close range. Kees van Wonderen intervened for the visitors and brought Walemark and Anas Tahiri off before half-time, much to the duo's dismay. Pelle van Amersfoort and Ché Nunnely entered the field.

Excelsior finally ended the one-sided game after more than an hour of play. Noppert saved Redouan El Yaakoubi's bet, but had no chance against Lamprou's bet: 3-0. The tall goalkeeper did not look great with this Rotterdam goal.

Heerenveen did a good job shortly after the break, but was just a toothless tiger after the 3-0 Rotterdam goal. The much fiercer Excelsior could have scored through Driouech, but Noppert saved skillfully.

Excelsior played the first home game of 2024 calmly and added three well-deserved points. It was the first win after a series of ten matches without a win in the Eredivisie. Heerenveen has to lick its wounds and prepare for the visit of AZ next Sunday.

More sports news