GYUMRI, Armenia (Interstat) — Van defeated Shirak 3-2 on Sunday in a back-and-forth Armenian Premier League match that defied pregame projections and completed a season sweep for the visiting side.

The game at Gyumri City Stadium was a rematch of a Sept. 19 encounter, which Van also won by an identical 3-2 scoreline. The victory provides a crucial boost for Van’s campaign, while extending a deeply disappointing season for the home club.

The match began contrary to statistical expectations. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 1-1 draw, and its ELO rating system gave Shirak a 58.3 percent probability of victory. Van, however, seized the early initiative.

Jesse Jidima Akila opened the scoring for the visitors in the 23rd minute, giving Van a lead they would carry into halftime. The advantage was short-lived after the break, as Shirak’s Cauã Ferreira found the net in the 57th minute to level the score.

The game then erupted with three goals in a frantic 13-minute span. Van responded almost immediately, with Gagik Akulyan restoring the lead just five minutes after Shirak’s equalizer. Jefferson Granado then appeared to put the game out of reach for Van, scoring in the 75th minute to establish a 3-1 cushion.

Shirak mounted a late comeback attempt, scoring its second goal in the 89th minute to create a tense finale, but Van’s defense held firm through stoppage time to secure the three points.

The result solidifies Van’s mid-table positioning in the Premier League, improving their season record to four wins, six losses and two draws. Across all competitions, Van now stands at four wins, seven losses and two draws.

For Shirak, the loss is another setback in a difficult season. Their league record falls to just one win, eight losses and two draws, leaving them at the bottom of the standings. Their overall record across all tournaments is two wins, eight losses and two draws.

The match continued a pattern of struggles for both clubs. Van entered the contest having been outscored 5-0 in its previous two league matches, including a 4-0 loss to Urartu on Oct. 28. Shirak’s form has been wildly inconsistent, coming off a 4-0 victory against FC Araks Ararat on Oct. 28, which was preceded by a 5-0 loss to Urartu.

Van will look to build on this victory when it hosts Gandzasar in its next Premier League fixture on Nov. 9. Shirak, seeking to reverse its fortunes, will travel to face Ararat on the same date.