ALMERE, Netherlands (Interstat) — In a wild, back-and-forth affair that defied pregame projections, Almere City and Barendrecht played to a 3-3 draw Saturday in a Tweede Divisie match at Sportpark Fanny Blankers Koen Veld 4.

The result, which saw three goals in a frantic seven-minute span late in the second half, left both Dutch third-tier clubs with identical records in league play and continued a high-scoring trend between the two sides.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 2-1 victory for the home side, with Almere City given a 56.90 percent probability to win according to its ELO system. Instead, the teams replicated the goal-filled drama of their previous meeting, a 4-3 Barendrecht victory on Sept. 27.

Barendrecht’s substitute Aness Serghini opened the scoring in the 12th minute, capitalizing on early pressure from the visitors. Almere City responded in the 25th minute when midfielder Marley Dors found the net to level the score.

Just before halftime, Barendrecht regained the lead. Forward Immanuel Ghogli scored in the 45th minute, sending the visitors into the break with a 2-1 advantage.

The second half began more cautiously, but exploded into life after the 70th minute. Barendrecht appeared to seal the victory when another substitute, Nadir Jouhri, made it 3-1 in the 71st minute.

Almere City, however, mounted a stunning and immediate comeback. Just two minutes later, forward Joyce Nsingic pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute to ignite the home supporters. The comeback was completed five minutes after that, as Joey Jongman scored the decisive equalizer in the 78th minute to secure a point for Almere City.

The frantic closing stages were matched by a physical contest throughout, with four yellow cards issued by the officiating crew. Barendrecht’s Jereno van Gom was booked in the 30th minute, followed by teammate Sebastiaan Hagedoorn in the 48th. Almere City’s Lev Lenssen received a caution in the 60th minute, and Jaydon Zijsling was booked in the 75th minute during the chaotic final stretch.

With the draw, both teams now hold 10 wins, 3 draws and 11 losses in Tweede Divisie play this season. In all competitions, Almere City’s record moves to 10 wins, 10 losses and 3 draws, while Barendrecht stands at 10 wins, 11 losses and 3 draws.

Barendrecht, which entered the match on a two-game winning streak, will next host ACV on March 7. Almere City, which halted a two-game losing skid with the draw, travels to face VV Rijnsburgse Boys on the same date.