Zulte Waregem vs Sparta Rotterdam

Sparta Rotterdam struck inside the first three minutes when lushendry martes converted to give the Eredivisie side a flying start. The goal was the earliest of the match and set the tone for an open first half.

Zulte Waregem equalised through Tobias Hedl a minute before the break (44'), but Sparta responded immediately — Casper Terho restored their lead in first-half stoppage time (45+1'), sending the Dutch side into the interval 2-1 up.

Whatever Steve Colpaert said at half-time worked. Thomas Claes pulled Zulte Waregem level in the 67th minute, then struck the winner in the 82nd to complete the turnaround. The provider data does not name the scorer of the 67th-minute goal, but the YouTube match report and other sources attribute both second-half strikes to Claes, making it a match-winning brace.

Sparta Rotterdam made three second-half substitutions in quick succession — Jens Toornstra, Nökkvi Þeyr Þórisson and Teo Quintero León entered the fray between the 62nd and 70th minutes — but the changes disrupted their rhythm rather than consolidating the lead. Zulte Waregem, who made no substitutions all game, grew into the contest as the half wore on and punished Sparta's disjointed second-half display.

• Thomas Claes (Zulte Waregem) — Two goals, including the 82nd-minute winner. The Belgian midfielder was the decisive figure in the final third.
• Tobias Hedl (Zulte Waregem) — Scored the equaliser just before half-time, keeping his side in the game when Sparta looked in control.
• Casper Terho (Sparta Rotterdam) — The Finnish winger scored Sparta's second goal in first-half stoppage time and was a threat on the flank throughout the first period.

Both teams scored, and the game produced five goals — trends that align with the only previous meeting between these sides (a 4-0 Sparta win in 2023, which also went over 2.5 goals). Zulte Waregem's decision to keep the same XI on the pitch for the full 90 minutes while Sparta made three changes after the hour mark may have been a factor in the second-half shift. The hosts' fitness and continuity told as the game opened up.

This is pre-season for both sides, so results carry limited weight. Zulte Waregem — promoted to the Belgian Pro League for the 2025-26 season as Challenger Pro League champions — will take confidence from a comeback win against an Eredivisie opponent. Sparta Rotterdam, who finished 12th in the Eredivisie in 2024-25 under Maurice Steijn, are still integrating new signings including experienced defenders Bruno Martins Indi and Jens Toornstra, both of whom featured.

A pre-season friendly that delivered drama despite its low stakes. Claes' second-half double was the difference, and Zulte Waregem's ability to stay sharp without substitutions will encourage their coaching staff. Sparta will want to tighten up after squandering a lead that looked secure at half-time.