Synopsis
On February 1, Punjab FC achieved a thrilling 3-2 victory against Bengaluru FC in the ISL 2024-25, breaking their seven-match winless streak. Luka Majcen scored the decisive goal, contributing to an impressive comeback with three goals in the second half, allowing Punjab FC to secure crucial points.Key Takeaways
- Luka Majcen scores the winner in the sixth minute.
- Punjab FC ends a seven-game winless streak.
- Three goals scored in the second half.
- Edgar Mendez opened the scoring for Bengaluru FC.
- Asmir Suljic converted a penalty for Punjab FC.
New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) Luka Majcen netted a decisive goal in the sixth minute, leading Punjab FC to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday night. The home side ended a seven-match winless streak with a remarkable comeback, scoring three times in the second half to secure three vital points and remain in ninth place with a total of 23 points.
Alberto Noguera executed a clever corner-kick in the 23rd minute, perfectly aimed at Sunil Chhetri at the far post, resulting in Bengaluru FC’s first meaningful opportunity. Chhetri’s header was directed on goal but effectively blocked, keeping the match scoreless.
Noguera attempted a similar approach from another corner in the 36th minute, this time from the left side. He shifted tactics, passing to Rahul Bheke, who was positioned farther down the center. However, Bheke's shot soared over the crossbar, missing the target.
Muhammad Suhail nearly broke the deadlock for Punjab FC four minutes later, finding himself in a promising position within the right side of the 18-yard box. Ricky Shabong delivered a pass to Suhail, who took his shot but sent it wildly off to the left.
Bengaluru FC responded just before half-time, as Roshan Singh spotted space on the left wing and curled in a cross for Edgar Mendez in the box. Mendez’s header, however, went wide to the right, leaving the score level at half-time.
Mendez found the net four minutes into the second half. Chhetri initiated the play from the left flank, and a hurried clearance from Punjab FC's defense saw the ball rebound off Mendez’s boot and into the net, giving the Blues the lead.
Petros Giakoumakis quickly shifted the game's momentum by helping Punjab FC equalize with a penalty earned in the 55th minute, successfully converted by Asmir Suljic, who struck high into the net to bring the game back to parity.
Filip Mrzljak showcased his intelligence in the box, reclaiming the lead for Punjab FC in the 79th minute. The play involved drawing Bengaluru FC's defense wide to exploit central spaces. A cross from Khaiminthang Lhungdim was met by Luka Majcen, whose header was saved by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, but Mrzljak capitalized on the rebound, targeting the top right corner for the team's second goal.
Bheke had been a dominant force in the box throughout the match, and his efforts paid off for Bengaluru FC. He connected with a cross from Mendez after a corner to score in the center of the goal during injury time, highlighting the back-and-forth nature of the contest.
Yet, Punjab FC remained resolute, absorbing pressure and waiting for the perfect moment to counter. In the dying minutes of the second half, they executed a flawless break, finished off by Majcen. Nihal Sudheesh provided the through ball, which Majcen controlled with his right foot inside the 18-yard box and drilled into the bottom left corner, sealing a fantastic comeback for Punjab FC.
Bengaluru FC will face Jamshedpur FC on February 9, while Punjab FC prepares to meet Mohun Bagan Super Giant on February 5.
