New Delhi [India], September 26 : Punjab FC moved on to the top of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 points table with a 2-0 win against Hyderabad FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the national capital.
With this win on Wednesday, Punjab FC have won their first three games this season, setting the challenge for the other teams and creating joyous moments for their fans. Goals from Ezequiel Vidal and Filip Mrzljak helped the Shers tame Hyderabad FC at home.
It was a mixed start to the game, with both teams allowing their nerves to settle in the initial ten minutes. But the first real moment in the game happened when Ramhlunchhunga tested Ravi Kumar from 35 yards.
However, it felt like a wake-up call for Punjab FC, who turned on the intensity for the remainder of the first period. In the 17th minute, Leander D'Cunha's mistimed pass in the danger area saw Mrzljak come up with an interception. The Croatian was in a prime position to put the hosts ahead, but Arshdeep Singh kept out his subsequent effort.
Buoyed by that opportunity, Punjab FC kept pushing for the opening goal, with Vidal at the centre of everything for them. He created a couple of opportunities for Mrzljak and Ivan Novoselec, but neither managed to find the back of the net. Later in the 27th minute, Vidal went for the jugular from distance and missed the target by a whisker.
Minutes later, Vidal released Nihal Sudeesh on the left flank, and the youngster almost added to his tally for the season, but Arshdeep kept it out. Punjab FC were eventually rewarded for being the better team as Vidal opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a swerving free-kick, which outfoxed Arshdeep in goal and crept in.
The second half saw Hyderabad FC desperately push for the equaliser as Ramhlunchhunga and Parag Shrivas came close. Hyderabad FC were lacking an extra bit of finesse in attack to trouble the Punjab FC backline. However, they enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the second period.
In the 59th minute, Panagiotis Dilmperis turned to his youngsters Leon Augustine and Ricky Shabong to add more energy to the field. Within three minutes of coming on, Ricky had the opportunity to double the lead, but his header from close range was wide of the target.
Punjab FC found the second goal in the 71st minute of the game courtesy of a calm finish from Mrzljak. The Croatian got the better of his marker and initiated a counterattack before releasing Mushaga Bakenga into space. However, the Norwegian's effort was blocked by Muhammed Rafi. But luckily for the hosts, the ball trickled down to Mrzljak on the right, and the midfielder made no mistake in tucking it into the open net.
Things complicated for Hyderabad FC when Leander was sent off in the 78th minute for a late tackle on Ricky. He was given the marching orders following a second yellow card.
As the final whistle blew, Punjab FC finally had a clean sheet at home - they had not kept a clean sheet in eight consecutive home matches in the ISL before Wednesday; in fact, their 1-0 win against Chennaiyin FC (on December 28, in 2023) was their only home clean sheet in the competition before this.
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