ZWOOLE, Netherlands (Interstat) — PEC Zwolle opened its Eredivisie campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Telstar on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at MAC³PARK Stadion, surpassing pregame projections with a dominant second-half performance.

The home side, heavily favored with a 77.8% win probability according to Interstat’s ELO system, ultimately exceeded the simulator’s predicted 2-1 scoreline. The result immediately separated the two sides in the early league table, with PEC Zwolle starting the season at 1-0 and Telstar falling to 0-1.

The first half was a tighter affair than the final score suggests. After multiple near misses, Zwolle finally broke through in the final moments of the opening period. Forward Shola Shoretire provided the crucial breakthrough, scoring in the third minute of first-half stoppage time to send the hosts into the break with a 1-0 advantage.

That goal opened the floodgates for a decisive Zwolle outburst after the restart. Substitute Nils Rossen, who entered the match at halftime, made an immediate impact by doubling the lead in the 60th minute. Telstar, reeling from the quick concession, then conceded twice more in a devastating three-minute span. Koen Kostons netted his first of the game in the 67th minute, and defender Tristan Gooijer joined the attack to score a rare goal just three minutes later, making it 4-0.

Gooijer’s goal, coming from a defender, underscored a comprehensive team performance where contributions came from all areas of the pitch. The sequence of goals between the 60th and 70th minutes effectively ended the contest.

Telstar managed to find a consolation goal and avoid a shutout in the 83rd minute, with Kostons netting his second of the match. The late strike did little to diminish Zwolle’s control of the game, which had been secured during their blistering second-half stretch.

The victory was built on key performances across the lineup. Gooijer, typically a defensive pillar, highlighted his importance with a goal, while Shoretire’s opener just before halftime proved to be the critical momentum-shifter. The substitution of Rossen also paid immediate dividends, with the reserve player scoring the important second goal that set the stage for the rout.

The match confirmed PEC Zwolle’s strong preseason form, carrying a perfect record across all competitions into the early phase of the schedule. For Telstar, the defeat continues a difficult start, as the team searches for its first win of the campaign across all matches. The teams will look to build on or reverse this result when Eredivisie play continues next week.