GRONINGEN, Netherlands (Interstat) — In a dramatic conclusion that defied both statistical projections and the run of play, FC Groningen and PEC Zwolle played to a 2-2 draw in an Eredivisie match Sunday at Euroborg.

The match, which saw a late equalizer, a red card, and significant contributions from substitutes, ended with both clubs earning their first point of the young season.

Interstat’s pregame metrics heavily favored the home side, projecting Groningen with a 73 percent probability to secure a victory and anticipating a conservative 1-1 final score. The actual contest proved to be a far more chaotic and entertaining affair.

PEC Zwolle, the visiting side, seized the early initiative. In the 11th minute, substitute Thijs Oosting opened the scoring, giving the underdogs a surprising early lead on the road. Groningen’s response was gradual, but they found their equalizer just before halftime. Forward Thom van Bergen netted his first goal of the game in the 37th minute, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.

The second half continued to deliver twists. Zwolle reclaimed the lead in the 59th minute through another substitute, Sheral Floranus, who found the back of the net to make it 2-1. The goal energized the visitors, but the match’s momentum shifted decisively just after the hour mark.

The turning point arrived in the 72nd minute when PEC Zwolle’s Anselmo García MacNulty, who had already been shown a yellow card in the 44th minute, received a second booking, resulting in a red card and forcing his team to play a man down for the final 18 minutes plus stoppage time.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Zwolle’s defense appeared poised to hold on for a hard-fought victory. However, deep into second-half stoppage time, Groningen’s persistence paid off. Thom van Bergen emerged as the hero for the home side, scoring his second goal of the match in the 90th minute to salvage the draw and send the home supporters into a frenzy.

The assist on the dramatic late equalizer was credited to defender Dies Janse, who was also shown a yellow card later in the match. Van Bergen’s brace was the standout individual performance, single-handedly securing the point for Groningen.

The match was a physical contest, with three yellow cards issued in addition to the game-changing red. Shola Shoretire of PEC Zwolle was cautioned in the 62nd minute, while Groningen’s Janse received his yellow in the 77th minute. Key contributions came from several substitutes, with Floranus scoring a goal for Zwolle and García MacNulty providing an assist before his sending off. Shoretire also recorded an assist for the visitors prior to his booking.

With the result, both teams now hold identical records in Eredivisie play: 0 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw. Their overall records across all competitions for the season also mirror each other at 0-0-1. The draw, while perhaps a disappointment for a Groningen side that was a heavy favorite, will be viewed as a valuable point earned for a resilient PEC Zwolle squad that nearly stole a victory on the road.