East Bengal SC mounted a stunning comeback victory, scoring four goals in 22 minutes in the second half to come from a two-goal deficit and secure a 4-2 victory against Punjab FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season which was played here at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, defensive midfielder Nikhil Prabhu opened up on the secret behind Punjab FC’s start to the season, his national team ambitions, and more.
Reduced to 10 men due to the sending off of Dinesh Singh in the added time of the first half, NorthEast United FC held their defensive line together to sail through the second essay of the game comfortably.
A solitary goal from Naorem Roshan Singh was enough to hand Zaragoza’s side their fourth victory of the season. Punjab FC tried their luck mostly from distance, often missing the target.
Punjab FC have been one of the better defensive teams in the Indian Super League 2024-25 season and a lot of the credit falls to their midfield general, Nikhil Prabhu who plays in the heart of the team.
Luka spent the last two seasons with Punjab FC, captaining the side in their debut season of the Indian Super League after they became the first club to be promoted to the ISL from the I-League.
With just five I-League games to go for NEROCA FC this season, they find themselves occupying the dreaded relegation spot.
With this result, Punjab FC remain in second place on the league table with 22 points from 14 matches -- 10 behind leaders Mohun Bagan.
Mohun Bagan, the 2014-15 champions, who will play as a merged team with ATK in Indian Super League from 2020-21, have a healthy six-point lead atop.
Punjab remain on second place with 14 points, three behind leaders Mohun Bagan, while Gokulam remain on 10 points.
