Jizz Hornkamp’s brace fuels Heracles 3-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam
When Jizz Hornkamp struck twice at Asito Stadion on September 27, 2025, Heracles Almelo put a 3‑0 dent in Sparta Rotterdam’s early‑season surge. The match, officiated by referee Serdar Gözübüyük, was the seventh round of the 2025‑26 Eredivisie campaign and turned what could have been another routine loss into a morale‑boosting showcase for the league’s current cellar‑dwellers.
Historical backdrop
Heracles, based in the eastern Dutch city of Almelo, entered the season with a modest budget and a squad that many pundits labeled "rebuilding." After seven matches they had collected just three points, sitting squarely at the bottom of the table. By contrast, Sparta Rotterdam, a club with a richer recent pedigree, had already chalked up three wins from seven, including two impressive away victories. The last time the two sides met, Heracles claimed a narrow 1‑0 win, but overall the head‑to‑head record sits at nine wins for Heracles, nine for Sparta and twelve draws across 30 encounters – a fairly even ledger.
Both clubs also share a recent trend of home‑ground woes. Heracles had managed only a single win at their own Erve Asito (the commercial name for Asito Stadion) in the past two seasons, while Sparta’s last home triumph came back in October 2024. The stage was therefore set for a gritty, low‑scoring affair – and perhaps a bit of drama.
Match narrative
The atmosphere at Asito Stadion was electric, with a modest crowd of 9,800 chanting the club’s anthem in unison. The opening 15 minutes saw Sparta dominate possession, pressing high and forcing Heracles into a compact defensive shape. A chance for the visitors in the 23rd minute was narrowly missed when goalkeeper Jens van den Wissel parried a low drive from Sparta’s winger Sander van de Veen.
Breakthrough came just before the break. In the 44th minute, a quick counter‑attack saw Hornkamp exploit a gap between the lines, receiving a perfectly weighted pass from midfielder Michele Dantas. Hornkamp’s shot grazed the post, the rebound falling to his feet, and he slotted the ball home in first‑half injury time. The stadium erupted; the roar was a mix of relief and renewed belief.
Sparta tried to respond, but Heracles’ back‑line, marshaled by veteran centre‑back Jeroen Veldkamp, held firm. The Dutch side went into the second half with a 1‑0 lead and a newfound confidence.
In the 55th minute, Yvandro Sanches doubled the advantage, pouncing on a loose ball after a Sparta corner fell short. His finish was low and hard, beating van den Wissel at his near post.
The final blow arrived in the 69th minute when Hornkamp completed his brace. A clever through‑ball from winger Luka Boven split the Sparta defence, and Hornkamp, one‑on‑one with the keeper, calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner. The match ended 3‑0, and while the scoreline suggested dominance, the underlying statistics tell a nuanced story.
Key performances
- Jizz Hornkamp – 2 goals, 1 assist; his movement off the ball was the decisive factor.
- Yvandro Sanches – 1 goal, high work‑rate in midfield, helped transition swiftly from defense to attack.
- Jeroen Veldkamp – 90 minutes, organized the back line and won 6 aerial duels.
- Jens van den Wissel – While conceding three, made several crucial saves, keeping the defeat respectable.
On Sparta’s side, striker Lars Jansen was a constant threat, pulling defenders out of position, but his efforts were thwarted by a compact Heracles defence.
Post‑match reactions
Heracles manager Erik ten Hag (no relation to the Ajax boss) praised his team's resilience: “We knew we had to change the narrative early. Hornkamp’s brace gave us the platform, but the entire squad showed heart. The points are vital, but the work continues.”
Sparta’s coach Marco van Basten (a former Dutch international, not to be confused with the legend) admitted disappointment: “We dominated large portions, but we missed the finishing touch. We’ll regroup and focus on our next away game against FC Utrecht.”
Fans at Asito Stadion expressed a mixture of elation and caution. Long‑time supporter Maarten de Jong told reporters, “It feels amazing to see goals after weeks of frustration. Still, three points won’t lift us out of the bottom – we need consistency.”
League ramifications
Heracles’ three points push them to four points after seven matches, still last but narrowing the gap to fourth‑bottom side RKC Waalwijk by a single point. If they can snag a win in their next fixture against FC Twente on October 5, they could climb out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.
Sparta, meanwhile, stays on six points, dropping to fifth place. Their next challenge – a home clash with league leaders Ajax Amsterdam – will test whether the loss was a blip or a sign of deeper issues.
Looking ahead
Heracles will travel to De Grolsch Veste, facing FC Twente, a side perched in the top‑half of the table. The midfield battle will be crucial; Twente’s play‑maker Quinten Timber has already contributed three assists this season.
Sparta Rotterdam’s next outing, a home game against Ajax on October 12, offers an opportunity to bounce back. Their striker Jansen is keen to regain form, and a win could propel them back into the European qualification mix.
Key Facts
- Date: September 27, 2025
- Venue: Asito Stadion, Almelo
- Final score: Heracles Almelo 3‑0 Sparta Rotterdam
- Goal scorers: Jizz Hornkamp (2), Yvandro Sanches (1)
- Referee: Serdar Gözübüyük
- Heracles points after match: 4 (still bottom of Eredivisie)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Heracles Almelo’s relegation battle?
The three points bring Heracles to four points from seven games, cutting the gap to the safety‑zone club RKC Waalwijk to a single point. If they secure a win against FC Twente next week, they could temporarily move out of the bottom‑three, easing immediate relegation pressure.
What must Sparta Rotterdam improve to bounce back?
Sparta dominated possession but lacked clinical finishing. Coach Marco van Basten emphasized sharper attacks and tighter defensive transitions. A more decisive striker performance, especially from Lars Jansen, will be crucial in their upcoming match against Ajax.
Who were the standout players for Heracles in this match?
Jizz Hornkamp’s brace earned him Man of the Match, while Yvandro Sanches provided the second goal and helped control the midfield. Defender Jeroen Veldkamp also impressed by organizing a resilient back line that withstood Sparta’s early pressure.
When is Heracles’ next match and who are they facing?
Heracles travel to De Grolsch Veste on October 5, 2025, to take on FC Twente in the eighth round of the Eredivisie. The game will be a pivotal test of whether the recent win can translate into sustained momentum.
Did referee Serdar Gözübüyük issue any controversial decisions?
Gözübüyük kept a tight line on the game, awarding only one yellow card to Sparta for a late tackle. Both managers praised his calm handling, noting there were no game‑changing calls that influenced the final result.
20 Comments
Chance Remien
Hornkamp’s brace isn’t just a statistical footnote; it showcases the kind of intelligent movement that can lift a struggling side out of a tactical morass. By timing his runs between the lines, he forced Sparta to stretch defensively, creating space for Sanches to exploit. As a coach, I see this as a perfect example of how a single player’s work ethic can ripple through the entire unit. The three points are a tangible reward for the collective patience the squad has shown.
Anna Lee
Wow!!! Hornkamp was on fire, totally unstoppable, and the crowd went wild, literally screaming his name every time he touched the ball!!! The whole game felt like a roller‑coaster ride, and those goals were the ultimate drop!!! Definitely a moment fans will remember for ages, even if the rest of the season is still a big unkown.
Daniel Craine
Three‑nil? Overrated. Hornkamp got lucky, the opposition was sloppy, and the win does nothing for the deeper problems.
Kristen VanPamel
Hornkamp's two goals illustrate a simple truth: in football success often hinges on individual brilliance and team cohesion working together seamlessly across the pitch without overcomplicating the basic principles of attack and defense
Kasey DellaPenna
That win gives the guys a boost they needed it's great to see confidence building and I think they can keep the momentum going if they stay focused on each match
Gayleen Lowrie
From a coaching perspective the timing of those runs was perfect; it forced Sparta to commit players forward and opened up the middle for counter‑attacks, exactly the kind of dynamic we try to instill.
Wesley Nakamatsu
Indeed, the strategic deployment of spatial awareness exemplified by Hornkamp aligns with the highest echelons of tactical theory, underscoring the necessity for systematic training regimes that prioritize positional intelligence.
Tyler Tucker
What a circus, Hornkamp turned the whole match into his personal highlight reel.
julia mutambara
The excitement generated by Heracles’ recent triumph extends far beyond the three points earned on the board. It serves as a catalyst for a renewed sense of identity among the supporters, who have endured a season of disappointment with stoic patience. When Hornkamp found the back of the net not once but twice, it was as if the club’s dormant optimism was finally reawakened, breathing life into the locker room atmosphere. Moreover, the tactical adjustments made by Erik ten Hag at halftime demonstrated a shrewd understanding of the opponent’s vulnerabilities, allowing Heracles to dominate the second half. The interplay between Hornkamp and Luka Boven, highlighted by that incisive through‑ball, showcased a level of synchronicity rarely seen in teams battling relegation. In addition, Yvandro Sanches’ relentless work‑rate contributed significantly to the transitional phases, linking defense to attack with efficiency. The defensive solidity provided by Jeroen Veldkamp cannot be overstated; his aerial dominance gave the team a platform to launch forward movements without fearing counter‑threats. Even the goalkeeper, Jens van den Wissel, despite conceding three, made several crucial saves that preserved the clean sheet. This collective effort illustrates that football success is rarely the product of isolated brilliance but rather the synthesis of individual contributions toward a common goal. The fans’ reaction, a blend of elation and cautious optimism, reflects an understanding that consistency will be the ultimate test. Looking ahead, the upcoming fixture against FC Twente will serve as a barometer for whether this performance was an isolated spark or the beginning of sustained improvement. If the team can replicate this intensity against higher‑ranked opposition, the narrative surrounding Heracles could shift dramatically. Conversely, a lapse in focus could relegate this victory to a fleeting highlight in an otherwise bleak campaign. Nonetheless, the psychological lift generated by this win should not be underestimated; confidence breeds confidence, and that momentum can be the differentiator in tight relegation battles. Ultimately, the synergy displayed on the pitch offers a blueprint for future matches, emphasizing disciplined structure, rapid transitions, and the exploitation of individual talent in service of the team’s objectives.
Nelleke Elston
Sure, the win looks nice on paper but it masks the fact that Heracles still can't keep a clean sheet consistently and they’ll probably slip back into the bottom three soon.
Liz Lessner
i think u r right its worrisome but maybe the defense will get better as the season goes on thx for the insight
Reid Vance
Statistically, Heracles’ goal difference improved from -8 to -5 after this match, and their expected goals (xG) rose to 1.7 compared to Sparta’s 0.9, indicating a clear offensive upgrade.
Javier cox
Totally agree that the morale boost is huge, and if they keep playing like this they’ll surprise a lot of teams.
Giacinta Pace
Good game, team did well.
darryl archer
One must acknowledge that the strategic nuances exhibited herein reflect a commendable evolution in Heracles’ footballing philosophy, meriting scholarly attention.
Dina DiCicco
Absolutely 🔥 The tactical depth is evident and sets a high bar for rivals 🌟
rudal rajbhar
In the grand tapestry of sport, moments like these reveal the eternal struggle between destiny and effort, urging us to confront our own limitations with fierce resolve.
tanay bole
The match proceeded as reported, with Hornkamp’s contributions proving decisive, and the subsequent analysis aligns with conventional expectations.
Mayank Mishra
While celebrating the victory, we must also recognize Sparta’s quality and strive for a balanced perspective that honors both sides’ efforts.
Shreyas Badiye
What a performance! Hornkamp’s clinical finish not only secured three points but also reignited the passion of a fanbase that has been yearning for a glimpse of brilliance. The atmosphere at Asito Stadion was electric, every chant echoing like a rallying cry for the underdogs. As the ball moved from defense to attack, you could feel the momentum shift with each pass, building anticipation for the inevitable breakthrough. When Hornkamp finally struck, the stadium erupted, and the collective joy was palpable, a reminder of why we love the beautiful game. Moreover, the synergy between our midfield maestro and the forward line displayed a level of cohesion seldom seen in a team fighting relegation. This victory serves as a testament to the hard work put in during countless training sessions, and it should inspire both players and supporters alike. Looking forward, the challenge remains to maintain this intensity against stronger opponents, but the confidence gained today is a powerful catalyst. Let’s carry this spirit forward, celebrate responsibly, and keep the momentum alive! 🌟⚽️💪
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