Goa: Punjab FC’s pursuit for their maiden win in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season continues as they head to the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata to face East Bengal FC on December 9, Saturday. The Red & Gold Brigade perhaps encountered their moment of reckoning in their previous encounter against NorthEast United FC, putting five past the Highlanders to record their biggest ever win in the competition history.
From visible improvement in the performances of domestic players to a style of football that has excited the East Bengal FC faithful, Carles Cuadrat has had a positive influence on the team. Their inspired run to the Durand Cup final prior to the campaign suggested that things were moving in the right direction for the team. They started the ISL season brightly too, however, a brief phase struck where they were unable to break free from the shackles to cross over the finishing line.
However, a rejuvenated unit took to the field after the international break, with the entire team delivering a spotless performance in their aforementioned triumph over the Juan Pedro Benali-coached side. In addition to the win, the team managed to get the support of the spectators behind their back. Being one of the traditional hotbeds of the sport in India, Kolkata has the potential to create a potentially intimidating environment for the visiting team, provided their team matches the high standards that the fans associate with them.
However, Punjab FC has shown that they aren’t bothered by such factors, taking the attack to Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in their last game and scoring thrice in the first half itself. The ISL debutants produced one breath-taking goal after another, reflecting the sheer individual brilliance brimming through that squad. However, they need to manage their games and defend their leads better, which is the single most important element that could determine the outcome of tomorrow’s game.