Punjab FC soared to the top of the points table with a compelling 2-0 victory over Hyderabad FC in their third game of the Indian Super League season. On a night marked by lackluster finishing, the Shers had a magical moment that propelled them to victory. The deadlock was broken in the 35th minute, courtesy of a stunning free-kick from Ezequiel Vidal.
The Argentine forward netted his first ISL goal with a sensational strike from 25 yards out. Vidal’s curling left-footer sailed past Hyderabad FC’s goalkeeper Arshdeep, nestling into the net to give the home side an all-important lead. This moment of brilliance was enough for Punjab FC to carry their 1-0 advantage into the halftime break.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, Punjab’s midfield general Filip Mrzljak described the goal as ‘incredible.’ “It was incredible. From my point of view, I initially thought it was the goalkeeper’s mistake, but on seeing the replay, I realized it was a very well-placed shot. Vidal’s execution was spot-on,” Mrzljak said.
Punjab FC, now enjoying a spotless record of three wins in three games, will not see action for the next three weeks due to the league’s scheduling. The next fixture is slated for October 18, where the team will travel to Bengaluru to face Bengaluru FC. Mrzljak, however, expressed his displeasure with the break, citing it might disrupt their momentum. “It’s only a three-week break on paper; in reality, it’s just a couple of days off. I don’t like it when we have these long breaks, especially when we are in good form. I want to continue scoring goals and winning games,” Mrzljak added.
Despite the scoreline, the Shers did not have it easy in the second half. They dominated possession and created numerous attacking opportunities but struggled with their finishing touches. The woodwork and some impressive defensive efforts from Hyderabad FC kept the game tight.
The insurance goal finally came in the 71st minute.
. Nihal, the enterprising youth, played a significant role by orchestrating the move that led to the second goal. His pass found Bakenga, whose efforts were thwarted by a scrambling Hyderabad defense. However, the rebound fell to Mrzljak, who made no mistake in slotting the ball into an empty net, scoring his second goal of the season.
This performance, while not flawless, showcased Punjab FC’s ability to grind out results even when not firing on all cylinders. Mrzljak’s late goal effectively sealed the deal, ensuring Punjab FC’s position at the summit of the table—a noteworthy achievement in the early stages of the ISL season.
However, one cannot overlook the role of Punjab FC’s unsung heroes, especially in the midfield. The team’s engine room—comprising Filip Mrzljak, Aaren D’Silva, and Samuel Lalmuanpuia—was instrumental in retaining control of the game, breaking up Hyderabad FC’s counter-attacks, and creating goal-scoring opportunities.
Goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong also deserves a special mention. His vocal presence and shot-stopping abilities ensured that the team maintained a clean sheet. He was particularly busy in the dying minutes when Hyderabad stepped up their efforts to claw back into the game. Chemjong stood as a bulwark, turning away several attempts and maintaining composure under pressure.
With the international break looming, Punjab FC’s players will now have an opportunity to recuperate, although some, like Mrzljak, see it as an unwelcome pause in their rhythm. The staff and players alike will have to capitalize on this period to refine their strategies and ensure they return to action even stronger.
As they look ahead to their next game against Bengaluru FC, the Shers have shown that they possess the character and quality to challenge for the ISL title. The early signs are promising, and if the team continues to gel and produce moments of brilliance like Vidal’s free-kick, they could be formidable opponents for any team in the league.
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