Nesto Groen's late winner has turned the tables for Excelsior, who had lost the previous edition of Excelsior-Sparta 0-1 thanks to a goal from Ayoub Oufkir in the third minute of extra time. The Kralingers were able to hold their hands together after that match, with Den Uil describing the win as a "stolen victory". A draw would have been a better result for Excelsior, according to Den Uil.
Den Uil has praised the winning goal, saying it was a result of a series of events that led to the ball ending up in the net. "A corner from Kasey Bos, who had just been subbed in and made his debut, was headed back by Ilano Silva Timas, who had played for MVV last season. And then it was headed in by Nesto Groen, who had been out for two years with an injury. Well, you can say that."