ISL 2024-25: Punjab FC Post Hat-Trick of Wins with 2-0 Victory over Hyderabad FC, Go Top of the Table

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Punjab FC continued their impressive start to the ISL 2024-25 season with a commanding 2-0 victory over Hyderabad FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on September 25, securing their third consecutive win and climbing to the top of the league table.

Following victories against Odisha FC and Chennaiyin FC, both ending 2-1, Punjab demonstrated their resilience and skill, leaving Hyderabad still searching for their first points of the season.

The match kicked off with both teams eager to establish control. Hyderabad created an early opportunity, but their efforts were thwarted by Punjab's solid defense. The breakthrough came for Punjab in the 35th minute, when Pulga Vidal executed a stunning free-kick, curling the ball past Hyderabad's goalkeeper, Gurmeet Singh, to make it 1-0. This goal energized the home side, and they went into halftime with a deserved lead.

As the second half began, Hyderabad looked to equalize, with Ayush Adhikari coming close with a long-range effort that surprised Punjab's keeper, Ravi Kumar. However, Punjab maintained their composure and began to assert more dominance.

In the 71st minute, Filip Mrzljak doubled the lead for Punjab with a tap-in after a deflected shot from Mushaga Bakenga fell perfectly for him. This goal highlighted Mrzljak's involvement in the match, as he not only scored but was also pivotal in setting up earlier chances.

Hyderabad's woes deepened when defender Leander D'Cunha received a second yellow card for a late tackle on Ricky Shabong, reducing his side to ten men in the 79th minute. Despite the numerical advantage, Punjab continued to press, though they squandered a couple of chances to extend their lead further.

The match concluded with Punjab holding firm, ending the game 2-0. The full-time whistle brought an end to the contest and marked a remarkable turnaround for Punjab FC, who struggled last season. With this victory, they now sit at the summit of the ISL table, while strugglers Hyderabad FC finds themselves in a precarious position at the bottom, still searching for a way to ignite their campaign.