Punjab FC catapulted to the summit of the Indian Super League points table following a commanding 2-0 triumph over Hyderabad FC in their third fixture of the season. Despite a night where their finishing lacked precision, it was a flash of brilliance from Ezequiel Vidal that secured the lead for the Shers.
The deadlock was broken in the 35th minute, thanks to an impressive display of skill by Argentinean midfielder Ezequiel Vidal. Taking a direct free kick from 25 yards out, Vidal’s left-footed curl crafted a spellbinding trajectory, nestling into the net after evading the fingertips of Hyderabad’s goalkeeper, Arshdeep. This spectacular goal marked Vidal’s first ISL goal, giving the home side an advantage they held onto till halftime.
Filip Mrzljak, Punjab’s midfield powerhouse, described the goal as ‘incredible.’ “It was incredible. From my point of view, I initially thought it was the goalkeeper’s mistake, but seeing the replay, I realize it was a very well-executed shot,” Mrzljak shared with IANS.
Having secured three wins in three games, Punjab FC now faces a three-week hiatus, with their next fixture scheduled for October 18 against Bengaluru FC. Mrzljak expressed his displeasure about this break, citing concerns over losing their momentum. “On paper, it’s a three-week break, but in reality, it’s just a couple of days without training. I dislike such long breaks when we are in good form because it disrupts our rhythm. I want to keep scoring and winning,” Mrzljak added.
The second half of the game saw Punjab FC, affectionately known as the Shers, maintain relentless pressure on Hyderabad FC, continuously probing their defenses and creating scoring opportunities. Each move seemed destined to bear fruit, yet the finishing touches missed the mark on numerous occasions.
However, their persistence paid off in the 71st minute. Nihal sent a precise pass to Bakenga, whose initial attempt was stymied by Hyderabad’s defense.
. The rebound perfectly set up Mrzljak, who made no mistake and tapped the ball into an empty net for his second goal of the season. This goal sealed the fate of the match and secured Punjab FC’s 2-0 victory.
The dominance displayed by Punjab FC throughout the match, particularly in the midfield orchestrated by players like Mrzljak and Vidal, underscored their growing prowess in the league. Their resolute defense also deserves accolades, having thwarted Hyderabad’s sporadic offensive efforts with tactical poise and precision.
This win not only boosts Punjab FC’s standing on the points table but also sends a resounding message to other teams in the league about their competitive spirit and tactical depth. The break, although unwelcome by some players, could potentially offer the squad time to fine-tune their strategies and return even stronger.
On the subject of the team’s performance and the upcoming break, Coach José Antonio Vicuña maintained a positive outlook. “The team played exceptionally well tonight. Our ability to control the game and capitalize on key moments is improving. The break will give us time to address some minor issues and come back refreshed. We aim to maintain our winning momentum,” Vicuña remarked.
Fans of Punjab FC are hopeful that the Shers will continue their brilliant run post-break and that players like Vidal and Mrzljak will consistently bring their A-game. The capture of Ezequiel Vidal has already started to pay dividends, and if the trend continues, Punjab FC may well be on their way to a historic season.
As the Indian Super League progresses, all eyes will be on how Punjab FC navigates the challenges ahead and whether they can sustain this early dominance. The tactical nous of the coaching staff, the skill level of the players, and the unity within the squad will undoubtedly be critical factors in their pursuit of the league title.
This match against Hyderabad FC has been a testament to their burgeoning potential, and as the season unfolds, Punjab FC’s journey promises to be one of excitement and intense competition.
