ZWOLLE, Netherlands (Interstat) — In a frenetic finish that saw two goals in two minutes, PEC Zwolle and FC Groningen played to a 1-1 draw in an Eredivisie match on Friday afternoon at MAC³PARK Stadion.

The result, which aligned exactly with the pregame projection from Interstat’s simulator, leaves both clubs with identical records to open the 2025-26 Dutch top-flight campaign: zero wins, zero losses and one draw across all competitions.

For much of the contest, the match appeared destined for a scoreless stalemate despite the statistical edge held by the hosts. Interstat’s ELO system had given PEC Zwolle a 59.70 percent probability of securing a victory. That advantage seemed to materialize in the 82nd minute when substitute Koen Kostons broke the deadlock, finishing a chance created by fellow substitute Jorg Schreuders, who was credited with the assist.

The lead was shockingly short-lived. Before the home supporters could finish celebrating, Groningen responded directly from the ensuing kickoff. Just two minutes later, in the 84th minute, Groningen’s Thom van Bergen found the equalizer, capitalizing on a swift attacking move orchestrated by substitute Younes Taha, who provided the assist.

The dramatic sequence underscored the impact of both benches, with the key contributions coming from players introduced in the second half. Schreuders for Zwolle and Taha for Groningen provided the decisive creative sparks that finally unlocked the match.

The opening 80 minutes were characterized by physical midfield battles and few clear chances, a tone set by early bookings. Groningen’s Younes Taha received the first yellow card in the 19th minute for a reckless challenge. His teammate Jorg Schreuders joined him in the referee’s book in the 33rd minute for a tactical foul. The physical nature of the match persisted until the final moments, with PEC Zwolle’s Tyrique Mercera shown a yellow card in the second minute of stoppage time.

The draw represents a solid, if unspectacular, starting point for both sides. For Groningen, securing a road point against a favored opponent will be viewed as a positive result. For PEC Zwolle, the failure to convert their statistical dominance and a late lead into three points will likely be a source of frustration, mitigated only by avoiding a catastrophic loss after their quick concession.

Both teams will look to build on the result and search for their first victory of the Eredivisie season in their next fixtures.