In a stunning display of football prowess, Punjab FC delivered a spectacular 3-1 victory over former champions Bengaluru FC in the AIFF Super Cup quarterfinal clash at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.
Dominant First Half Sets the Tone
The Roundglass Punjab-owned side came out with explosive energy, completely dominating the first half with three brilliant goals that left the Blues reeling. The early offensive proved decisive as Punjab FC established control from the opening whistle.
French midfielder Madih Talal opened the scoring account in the 24th minute with a clinical finish, setting the pace for what would become a memorable night for the Punjab-based club.
Jordan's Brace Seals the Deal
Colombian striker Wilmar Jordan Gil followed up with a spectacular brace, finding the back of the net in the 33rd and 41st minutes respectively. His two goals within eight minutes effectively put the game beyond Bengaluru FC's reach before halftime.
The coordination between Talal and Jordan showcased Punjab FC's growing chemistry and tactical discipline under coach Staikos Vergetis.
Bengaluru's Consolation Comes Too Late
Bengaluru FC managed to pull one back in the 90th minute through Spanish midfielder Javi Hernandez, but the goal served as mere consolation with insufficient time to mount a meaningful comeback.
The Blues, who won the Super Cup in 2018 and finished as runners-up last year, struggled to find their rhythm against Punjab's organized defense and relentless attacking pressure.
Semifinal Berth Secured
With this impressive victory, Punjab FC has booked their spot in the Super Cup semifinals, where they will face the winner between Mumbai City FC and NorthEast United FC. The performance signals Punjab FC's growing stature in Indian football and their potential to challenge for major honors.
The victory is particularly sweet for Punjab FC, who have shown remarkable progress since their promotion to the Indian Super League, proving they can compete with and defeat established giants of Indian football.
