Mito strike lifts Sparta Rotterdam into sixth | OneFootball

Sparta Rotterdam edged past Utrecht 1-0 at Stadion Galgenwaard as Shunsuke Mito's early finish sealed the points, lifting the visitors from eighth to sixth in the Eredivisie.

Mito converted from the centre after a fast break in the seventh minute, steering Mitchell van Bergen's pass into the bottom left.

An early injury to centre-back Mike Eerdhuijzen forced a reshuffle for the hosts (13.).

Goalkeeper Joel Drommel then kept Sparta in front with six saves, denying a string of home efforts as Utrecht pressed for a leveller.

After the restart, Ron Jans introduced Gjivai Zechiël and later Adrian Blake, with the latter rattling the bar (89.).

In the third minute of second half stoppage time, a VAR review ruled no penalty for Utrecht.

Utrecht produced 22 attempts and 10 corners with 58.5% possession. Sparta registered five attempts and made 35 clearances.

Next, Utrecht visit Celtic in the Europa League. Sparta Rotterdam host Groningen in the league.