In the Indian Super League in New Delhi on Wednesday, Punjab FC defeated Hyderabad FC 2-0 thanks to goals from Ezequiel Vidal and Filip Mrzljak, giving the team their third straight victory. With a goal in each half of their convincing victory, Punjab FC are now atop the standings. After the first fifteen minutes of lethargic play, Punjab FC picked up the pace when Mrzljak made an incredible interception due to a misplaced pass by Leander D’Cunha in the dangerous area.
After the first fifteen minutes of sluggish play, Punjab FC picked up the intensity when Mrzljak made an outstanding interception after Leander D’Cunha misplaced a pass in the dangerous area.
The Croatian had a great opportunity to put the home team ahead, but opposing goalie Arshdeep Singh stopped him.
Encouraged by the chance, Punjab FC persisted in their pursuit of the first goal, Vidal in the center of everything. He gave Mrzljak and Ivan Novoselec one or more opportunities, but neither player was able to find the back of the net.
Vidal attempted a long-range shot in the 27th minute, but it narrowly missed the mark.
Shortly after, Vidal unleashed Nihal Sudeesh on the left side, and the youthful player came close to adding to his total, but Arshdeep, who had experience, stopped him. Vidal’s deft free kick that beat the goalie in the 35th minute gave Punjab FC their first goal, and they were eventually rewarded.
Hyderabad FC made a valiant effort to tie the score in the second half, with Ramhlunchhunga and Parag Shrivas coming close. Hyderabad lacked the offensive dexterity to pose a threat to the Punjab FC defense.
Mrzljak’s precise finish gave Punjab FC their second goal in the 71st minute. After outwitting his marker, the Croatian launched a counteroffensive and freed Mushaga Bakenga into space.
However, Muhammad Rafi foiled the Norwegian’s attempt. Fortunately for the home team, though, the ball trickled down to Mrzljak on the right, and the midfield player tucked it into the open net with ease.
The following matches for Punjab FC and Hyderabad FC are on October 18 against Bengaluru FC and October 1 against Chennaiyin FC, respectively.
