Punjab FC continued their impressive start to the ISL 2024-25 season, securing their third consecutive win with a resounding 2-0 victory over Hyderabad FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday. Goals from Ezequiel Vidal and Filip Mrzljak were enough to tame the Nizams and solidify Punjab’s early dominance in the league.
The match began with a cautious approach from both sides, as nerves settled in the initial ten minutes. However, the first real moment of excitement came when Ramhlunchhunga tested Ravi Kumar from 35 yards, serving as a wake-up call for Punjab FC. The Shers responded with increased intensity, quickly taking control of the first half.
In the 17th minute, a mistimed pass by Leander D’Cunha in the danger area presented Mrzljak with an interception opportunity. The Croatian midfielder found himself in a prime position to put Punjab ahead, but his subsequent effort was denied by Arshdeep Singh. Punjab continued to press for the opening goal, with Vidal orchestrating numerous attacks. He created several chances for Mrzljak and Ivan Novoselec, but neither could find the back of the net. Vidal himself came close in the 27th minute, narrowly missing the target with a long-range shot.
Vidal’s persistence was rewarded in the 35th minute as he opened the scoring with a beautifully executed swerving freekick that caught Arshdeep off guard. The goal gave Punjab a deserved lead and shifted the momentum further in their favor.
The second half saw Hyderabad FC desperately searching for an equalizer, with Ramhlunchhunga and Parag Shrivas coming close to scoring. However, they lacked the necessary finesse in attack to truly trouble the Punjab FC defense. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession in the second period, Hyderabad couldn’t break through.
Panagiotis Dilmperis made substitutions in the 59th minute, bringing on Leon Augustine and Ricky Shabong to inject fresh energy into his side. Within three minutes of his arrival, Ricky had a golden opportunity to double the lead but his header from close range went wide.
Punjab FC finally sealed the victory in the 71st minute when Mrzljak finished calmly to make it 2-0. The Croatian player intercepted a loose ball, initiating a counterattack before releasing Mushaga Bakenga into space. Bakenga’s effort was blocked by Muhammed Rafi, but the ball fell kindly to Mrzljak on the right, who slotted it into the open net with precision.
Things took a turn for the worse for Hyderabad FC in the 78th minute when Leander was sent off for a late tackle on Ricky, receiving his marching orders following a second yellow card. The dismissal left Hyderabad with a mountain to climb, and ultimately, they were unable to mount a serious comeback.
The victory solidified Punjab FC’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the ISL this season. Their strong start, coupled with their impressive display against Hyderabad, sends a clear message to the rest of the league: Punjab FC is here to stay and will be a major contender for the title.
