ISL: 10-man Odisha FC hold Punjab FC to a draw – Talking Points
Odisha FC's Rahul KP was handed a red card controversially.
By : The Bridge Desk
Update: 2025-02-10 16:57 GMT
Odisha FC celebrate their goal against Punjab FC in 2024-25 ISL (Photo credit: FSDL)
Odisha FC held Punjab FC to a 1-1 draw at the Kalinga Stadium in their 2024-25 Indian Super League clash on Monday.
While Petros Giakoumakis opened the scoring for Punjab FC FC in the added time of first half, Isak Vanlalruatfela helped Odisha FC draw level early in the second half.
Despite the draw, both teams are well and truly in playoff contention heading into the rest of the matches. Odisha FC now have 26 points and are placed seventh, whereas Punjab FC are ninth with 24 points.
Here are the talking points from the match:
Quick start for Punjab FC
Punjab FC got off the blocks quicker than the hosts as they looked positive in the initial exchanges of the game. Ezequiel Vidal made some telling moves in a free role as he found pockets of space near the Odisha FC final third.
He delivered a fine ball for Ivan Novoselec from a corner but it was blocked. Later, his exceptional cross found Petros Giakoumakis in the box and the Greek forward headed it past Amrinder Singh in goal only to get flagged offside.
Odisha FC tried to maintain possession with patience and worked their way out of Punjab FC’s high press. In the 20th minute, Isak Vanlalruatfela found Hugo Boumous through on goal with an intricate dinked pass. However, the Frenchman was marginally offside with his surging forward run.
In the 26th minute, Punjab FC had a great opportunity when Boumous gave away the possession in midfield. Filip Mrzljak picked up the stray ball and made a marauding run through the middle. However, the Croatian decided to square it to Vidal rather than trying his luck and the chance fizzled out.
Odisha FC tried to maintain possession with patience and worked their way out of Punjab FC’s high press. In the 20th minute, Isak Vanlalruatfela found Hugo Boumous through on goal with an intricate dinked pass. However, the Frenchman was marginally offside with his surging forward run.
In the 26th minute, Punjab FC had a great opportunity when Boumous gave away the possession in midfield. Filip Mrzljak picked up the stray ball and made a marauding run through the middle. However, the Croatian decided to square it to Vidal rather than trying his luck and the chance fizzled out.
Controversial red card
In the meantime, an unfortunate incident saw Odisha FC go down to 10 men as Rahul KP clipped Mrzljak’s ankle while the Croatian was down on the ground.The referee was close to the incident and immediately handed him the marching orders.
Replays, however, indicated that a direct red card for the situation was probably unwarranted.
Punjab FC take lead
Punjab FC made full use of the numeric advantage as Ricky Shabong’s through ball found Giakoumakis in space. With only Amrinder to beat, the Greek forward wasted no time in nestling it into the top corner and handing Punjab FC the lead in stoppage time of the first half (45+2’).
Sergio Lobera introduced Rahim Ali as the hosts prepared to tackle the second half with a numeric disadvantage.
Sergio Lobera introduced Rahim Ali as the hosts prepared to tackle the second half with a numeric disadvantage.
Odisha FC equalise
Despite Punjab FC’s persistent attacks, Odisha FC threw bodies forward to get back into the game. Their efforts were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Isak and Diego Mauricio combined before the former tried his luck and on any other day, it would have been a regulation save for Ravi Kumar.However, fate had other ideas as the veteran custodian failed to claim the ball properly and it crossed the goal-line handing Odisha FC the equaliser.
In the 64th minute, Panagiotis Dilmperis freshened things up for Punjab FC with three changes. Luka Majcen, Asmir Suljic and Asish Pradhan came on for Giakoumakis, Vidal and Suresh Meetei. Majcen kept the Odisha FC defenders on their toes with his surging runs while Suljic pulled the strings from midfield.
Punjab FC maintained their dominance in the second half but the visitors lacked quality in the final third and therefore they struggled hard to find the second goal. In the 88th minute, Mrzljak’s effort struck the post and Majcen picked up the rebound in the penalty area. His eventual effort took a deflection off Rahim Ali on its way out. It was a timely challenge from the substitute.
In the stoppage time, Boumous had the best chance of the second half to secure the victory for the hosts when Isak played him into space in the box. But the Frenchman’s shot was palmed away by Ravi Kumar as he compensated for his mistake earlier in the game.
In the 64th minute, Panagiotis Dilmperis freshened things up for Punjab FC with three changes. Luka Majcen, Asmir Suljic and Asish Pradhan came on for Giakoumakis, Vidal and Suresh Meetei. Majcen kept the Odisha FC defenders on their toes with his surging runs while Suljic pulled the strings from midfield.
Punjab FC maintained their dominance in the second half but the visitors lacked quality in the final third and therefore they struggled hard to find the second goal. In the 88th minute, Mrzljak’s effort struck the post and Majcen picked up the rebound in the penalty area. His eventual effort took a deflection off Rahim Ali on its way out. It was a timely challenge from the substitute.
In the stoppage time, Boumous had the best chance of the second half to secure the victory for the hosts when Isak played him into space in the box. But the Frenchman’s shot was palmed away by Ravi Kumar as he compensated for his mistake earlier in the game.
Key Performer of the Match
Carlos Delgado started for Odisha FC in place of Mourtada Fall and delivered a sensational performance. He led the backline after they were a man down and was one of the key players for Lobera’s men tonight. Delgado registered 10 clearances, four interceptions and a solitary tackle.What next for both teams?
Odisha FC will play Hyderabad FC on February 14 whereas Punjab FC are scheduled to face Chennaiyin FC on February 15.Stay connected with The Bridge on #socials.