ISL 2024-25: Playoff Aspirants Odisha FC and Punjab FC Aim to Avoid Back-to-Back Defeats
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Synopsis
Odisha FC and Punjab FC will meet in the ISL 2024-25, with both teams eager to avoid consecutive defeats. Odisha FC seeks to bounce back after a loss to FC Goa, while Punjab FC aims to secure a league double. Both teams are in contention for playoff spots.
Key Takeaways
- Odisha FC seeks to recover from a recent loss.
- Punjab FC aims for a league double against Odisha FC.
- Diego Mauricio is close to his tenth goal this season.
- Both teams need to secure points for playoff contention.
- Coaches emphasize the importance of the upcoming match.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 9 (NationPress) Odisha FC is set to face off against Punjab FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Kalinga Stadium on Monday. The Juggernauts are eager to bounce back from their recent 2-1 defeat against FC Goa, while Punjab FC aims to secure a league double over their rivals after defeating them 2-1 in the earlier encounter on September 20, 2024.
A victory for Punjab FC would represent their first instance of defeating an opponent twice in the same season.
Odisha FC has had a rocky period lately, recording three losses and three draws in their last seven matches, struggling to find their rhythm. They have scored 12 goals in these games, and throughout the season, they have hit the woodwork 13 times – the highest among all teams. The hosts will rely on Diego Mauricio to shine in the attack, as he is just one goal shy of reaching 10 goals for the fourth time in his ISL journey.
In their last away match, Punjab FC suffered a 0-3 defeat against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant. If they fail to score again, it will mark only the second occasion they have not found the net in consecutive matches in the ISL.
Currently, both teams sit outside the top-six positions. Odisha FC is in seventh place with 25 points from 19 matches, achieving six wins and seven draws, and trailing sixth-placed Bengaluru FC by three points (28). Punjab FC is ninth with 23 points but has played one game less, participating in only 18 matches to date. Both teams remain in contention for playoff qualifications but must act quickly to secure a series of positive results.
In their three ISL clashes so far, Odisha FC has claimed victory twice, while Punjab FC has won once.
Odisha FC's head coach Sergio Lobera shared his team's mindset for the upcoming match.
“Ensuring that the players recover both mentally and physically is our top priority. We are looking forward to the next game with enthusiasm as it presents a new opportunity for us,” he stated.
Punjab FC's head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis emphasized his team's commitment to securing all three points from the match.
“It’s a critical game that everyone is aware of. We have six finals remaining, and we are wholly focused on winning this match,” he remarked.
