Decisive figure's early strike lifts Sparta Rotterdam | OneFootball

Shunsuke Mito settled the game in the seventh minute with a low right-footed finish, as Sparta Rotterdam won 1-0 at Utrecht.

The Japan forward burst through on a fast break and converted from the centre of the box after Mitchell Van Bergen's pass, guiding the ball into the bottom left corner. From there, Mito's work rate helped Sparta Rotterdam manage the contest.

He tracked back diligently, making two tackles and winning possession three times to relieve pressure as Utrecht pushed on. He also completed two dribbles to carry Sparta Rotterdam up the pitch when outlets were scarce.

Mito's efficiency told: one attempt, one goal. He added 11 accurate passes from 15 and five successful final third passes, a neat balance of incision and security. With Utrecht controlling 58.9% possession and producing 22 attempts, his speed in transition was exactly the outlet the visitors needed.

Sparta Rotterdam climb from eighth to sixth on 32 points. They host Groningen next. Utrecht drop from 10th to 11th and visit Celtic in the Europa League next.