ROTTERDAM, Netherlands (Interstat) — Excelsior opened its Eredivisie season with a 2-1 comeback victory over PEC Zwolle on Saturday at Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, defying pregame projections.

PEC Zwolle’s Noah Naujoks opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Substitute Ryan Thomas equalized for the hosts just before halftime, assisted by Arthur Zagre. Excelsior midfielder Irakli Yegoian netted the decisive goal in the 78th minute. Thomas and Zagre each received yellow cards in the second half.

The result improved Excelsior’s record to 1-0-0, while PEC Zwolle fell to 0-1-0. The match surpassed a statistical projection that heavily favored the visitors.