Sparta Rotterdam and PEC Zwolle played out a thrilling 2-2 draw on Friday night at Het Kasteel, with PSV loanee Isaac Babadi making an immediate impact in his debut for the Eredivisie side. The Erste Divisie clash delivered end-to-end action and several clear-cut opportunities, leaving both clubs with mixed feelings about a result that could have gone either way.
The opening exchanges set the tone for an entertaining encounter. Milan Zonneveld thought he had given Sparta an early lead when he powered a header past the goalkeeper, but the effort was chalked off after a foul in the penalty area. PEC responded swiftly at the other end. Following a well-executed team move, Dylan Mbayo found Ibrahim Cissoko in space, and the midfielder produced a clinical finish, curling the ball into the far corner: 0-1. The visiting side's confidence soared, yet their advantage lasted mere minutes. Zonneveld made amends from another Sparta corner, heading home decisively to level at 1-1.
Babadi's Breakthrough Moment
The first half remained frenetic, with chances flowing at both ends. Ryan Thomas tested Jasper Schendelaar with a long-range effort, while Mitchell van Bergen forced a sharp reaction from the PEC goalkeeper. Casper Terho came agonisingly close to putting Sparta ahead when his shot struck the post. The midfield battle remained competitive throughout, with both sides refusing to surrender possession easily.
After the interval, the intensity never relented. Mbayo rattled the crossbar in a moment of fortune for Sparta, while Terho's effort drifted just wide at the opposite end. The decisive moment arrived in the 69th minute when a careless turnover by Thomas in midfield allowed Zonneveld to break forward. The striker showed composure and squared the ball for the onrushing Babadi, who slotted past Schendelaar with a delicate finish. The PSV loanee's dream debut was complete, having made an immediate contribution to Sparta's attacking play.
Late Leveller Ensures Shared Spoils
PEC refused to accept defeat. Tobias Sommer delivered a dangerous free-kick into the Sparta box, and Koen Kostons responded with a powerful header that found the net: 2-2. Despite Sparta's dominance after Babadi's goal, the visitors' resilience earned them a point and prevented an away defeat.
The draw leaves both clubs seeking their next opportunity to climb the Eredivisie standings. For Babadi, the loan move from PSV has already proven worthwhile with an auspicious start, though Sparta will reflect on missed chances to secure all three points at home.
