The NorthEast United FC claimed their first-ever victory over Punjab FC in a thrilling 2-1 Indian Super League 2024-25 encounter today (November 23, Saturday) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi. (Match Highlights)
Goals from Guillermo Fernandez and Nestor Albiach gave the Highlanders a commanding lead, while Punjab FC’s Ivan Novoselec pulled one back. Despite a late push from the Shers, including a couple of saved attempts, NorthEast United held on to secure all three points in a hard-fought match.
After the international break, both teams were eager to kickstart their campaigns with a victory. NorthEast United FC came into the match with an impressive run of form, while Punjab FC was looking to bounce back after a shaky start to the season. However, it was the Highlanders who struck first and took control of the match early.
The game started with a lot of energy from both sides, but it was NorthEast United who looked the more dangerous of the two. In the 16th minute, a clinical finish from Guillermo Fernandez gave the Highlanders 1-0 lead.
The goal came after a smart through ball split the Punjab defence, allowing Fernandez to calmly slot the ball past Punjab goalkeeper Ravi kumar.
Punjab FC tried to reply with some attacking pressure but the visitors held their defensive line together. And in the 40th minute, another goal came, but once again it was the Highlanders who found the net.
Nestor Albiach doubled their lead with a superb left-footed strike from outside the box, which found the top-left corner. The goal was assisted by Buanthanglun Samte, putting NorthEast United firmly in control heading into the break.
As the first half came to an end, Punjab FC found themselves two goals down.
The NorthEast United's attack was halted just before just as the first-half whistle was about to be blown as Dinesh Singh received his second yellow card of the match.
The second half began with Punjab FC needing a lot of works to do, and they came out looking more dangerous. The introduction of fresh legs, including Mushaga Bakenga and Asmir Suljic, gave the Shers an added attacking threat. Despite the renewed intensity, the 10-man NorthEast United’s defense stood firm, and Punjab's struggle to find a way through continued.
In the 60th minute, Punjab FC had their best chance in their goalless game. A header from Filip Mrzljak was saved by Gurmeet Singh in the NorthEast goal.
They finally got their reward in the 80th minute when Ivan Novoselec scored a well-taken goal from the center of the box, making it 2-1. This goal breathed new life into the Punjab attack, and they piled on the pressure in the final moments of the game.
In the dying moments of the match, Punjab FC had one last chance from a corner, but the effort was easily dealt with by the NorthEast defense. The referee blew the final whistle, and the match ended 2-1 in favor of NorthEast United.
This victory marked the Highlanders' first-ever win over Punjab FC. The two teams had previously met twice in the Indian Super League, with Punjab FC winning one encounter and the other ending in a 1-1 draw.
Punjab FC will now face Mumbai City on November 26, while NorthEast United will take on East Bengal on November 29.
