ISL 2024-25: Majcen’s late strike helps Punjab FC beat Bengaluru FC to reignite top six hopes

ISL 2024-25: Majcen’s late strike helps Punjab FC beat Bengaluru FC to reignite top six hopes

Luka Majcen’s late strike earned Punjab FC three important points in its attempt to make the top six as it defeated Bengaluru FC 3-2 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Saturday.

The home team broke its seven-game-long winless run with an emphatic comeback that saw it strike thrice in the second half stay in ninth spot with 23 points to its name.

After a goalless first half, Mendez pulled a goal in the Blues’ favour four minutes after the break. Sunil Chhetri initiated a move from wide out the left flank and a lateral ball inside the Punjab FC box was hastily cleared by its backline. The ball ricocheted off Mendez’s boot before nestling into the back of the net.

Petros Giakoumakis quickly helped restore parity after he earned a spot-kick, which was promptly hammered into the roof of the net by Asmir Suljic in the 55th minute.

Filip Mrzljak’s smarts inside the box got Punjab FC the lead for the first time in the match in the 79th minute. It was a culmination of Punjab FC’s ploy to drag Bengaluru FC’s defence wide and exploit the spaces at the centre. Khaiminthang Lhungdim’s cross from the right was met by Luka Majcen who nodded it on target, only for it to be saved by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Mrzljak pounced upon the rebound to target the top right corner, resulting in the team’s second goal of the evening.

Bheke had been a formidable presence inside the box throughout the game and that yielded the required returns for Bengaluru FC. He jumped upon a cross from Mendez following a corner to smash it into the centre of the goal upon the commencement of injury time, symbolising the back-and-forth nature of contest.

Deep into the added time of the second half, the host executed a flawless fast break that Majcen rounded off. Nihal Sudheesh’s through ball from the situation was met by Majcen, controlled by his right foot in the middle of the 18-yard box and then drilled into the bottom left corner to notch a tremendous comeback win for Punjab FC.