ISL 3: Pune triumph in a seven goal thriller

In an enthralling game, FC Pune City came out all guns blazing in the second half to douse dynamos fire as the stallions edged out 4-3 in a seven goal thriller.

A seven Goal thriller ended in Pune’s favour
After going one goal down at the end of first half courtesy of Kean Lewis strike, Pune came out with all guns blazing early in the second half as Delhi conceded 3 goals in the space of eight minutes. Although Delhi’s managed to pull things back with about ten minutes to go for normal times, Lenny Rodriguez scored his first goal in ISL in the injury time to send stallions up with two goal advantage. But the game was still not finished as moments after conceding the fourth goal, Delhi pulled one back thanks to Zaula’s strike, But in the end it was Pune who came away with all points.
Pune started with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Lenny Rodriguez, Augustine Fernandes, Raju Yumnam and Dramane Traore making way for Lyngdoh, N’Doye, Ravanan and returning Arata Izumi. Delhi, on other hand, suffering from suspension and injuries made four changes too. Doblas made way for young Soram Poirei, while Milan Singh and Badara Badji missed the bus due to maximum yellow card this season, Gadze is out injured forcing Malouda to start as striker.
Pune had an early chance when Sissoko’s defence splitting pass found Edurado open inside the box but the center back shot straight at Poirei as Pune were denied an early lead. Ten Minutes later, Delhi missed an open chance when Souvik’s through ball found Malouda one-on-one with Edel Bete but the Frenchman shot straight at the Pune Custodian.
In the 17th minute, Delhi came close to breaking the deadlock when a wonderful worked corner resulted in Malouda setting up Memo inside the box for the final cutback but Edurado with an last ditch dive denied Delhi an opportunity to have a shot on goal.
But it was Pune who once again missed the golden chance, when a penalty was awarded for Pune for a foul on Zurdo inside the box by Kima, only for Sissoko to come up with a weak shot that was easily saved by the impressive Poirei.
In the 38th minute, Delhi almost went in front when Marcelinho, after opening up Pune defense and with only Bete to beat, lost his footing for the final placement. However five minutes later, Marcelinho after a run into the box back-heeled smartly for Memo whose final cutback found Kean Lewis, who just had to tap in the ball to take visitors into the break with a one goal advantage.
Also Read: ISL 3: Hume salvages ATK a point at home

Lenny Rodrigues celebrates his first goal in ISL
Habas half time talk might have inspired Pune with new vigor as ten minutes after the break they were back in to the game. Anibal Zurdo soared highest to head the ball in to far corner past the diving Poirei from a Lucca’s free-kick. Six minute later, they had taken the lead when confusion inside the Delhi defence ended with the ball falling to Sissoko right in front of goal as the midfielder hammered the ball past the stranded Poirei.
Minute later Zambrotta witnessed his side crumble further when Poirei quickly threw the ball for Ruben who was unable to control it as Zurdo robbed the ball from him and unleashed a vicious shot from around 30 yards as the ball went in to make it 3-1 for Pune.
However, Delhi came back in the 78th minute when Addy’s cross inside the box was deflected in to his own goal by Edurado on pressure from Malouda. Pune had two further chances to finish off the game, first Lucca’s deflected shot hit the top of crossbar before going over then Lenny’s curling shot from edged of the box was well tipped over by diving Poirei.
But in the second minute of six minutes of extra time, Lenny after receiving the ball from Lucca shot past Poirei to make it 4-2 as Delhi looked well over and out of the game.
But the story was far from over, in the very next minute, Malouda’s powerful shot was saved by Bete the rebound however fell to an onrushing Zuala who struck it past the Pune custodian to make it 3-4 for Delhi. In the dying moments of the game, Delhi had a golden chance to equalize when Malouda was brought down at the edge of the box. But Pelissari’s curling free-kick disappointingly went over the bar as the Lions succumbed to only their second defeat of the campaign.
FC Pune City 4 (A. Zurdo 55′, 63′, M. Sissoko 62′, L. Rodrigues 90’+2’) – 3 Delhi Dynamos FC (Lewis 44′, Eduardo 79′ (own goal), Malsawmzuala 90’+4’)
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers: India vs. Thailand – A Winner-Take-All Showdown!
The stage is set for a thrilling climax in Group B of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, as India’s Blue Tigresses prepare to face Thailand’s Chabakaew in a…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
The Quest for Redemption: Why Tomorrow’s India vs. Thailand clash transcends Qualification
As the clock ticks down to the monumental clash between India and Thailand in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, the air is thick with anticipation. This isn’t just…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
Etched in History: Blue Tigresses Break the Hex, Qualify for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026!
When the final whistle pierced the air at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium, it wasn’t just a sound; it was the echo of history being rewritten. Tears streamed…
East Bengal to play Bangalore’s South United in opener as 134th IndianOil Durand Cup fixtures and groups announced
The 134th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup, will kick off on July 23rd, 2025, with Emami East Bengal FC facing Bengaluru-based South United FC (SUFC) at the iconic Vivekananda…
Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
FIFA Women’s World Cup the next mountain to climb for the Blue Tigresses
It’s been four days since India’s historic qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. But the dust from the celebrations isn’t settling anytime soon, and the women’s football…
Hon. President of India Flags Off 134th Durand Cup Trophies in a Grand Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan
New Delhi, July 4, 2025: In a moment steeped in legacy and national pride, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today flagged off the three iconic Durand Cup…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / AIFF / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AIFF announces reward for fantastic Blue Tigresses
AIFF has announced a reward of USD 50,000 for the Senior Indian Women’s National Team following their outstanding performance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers held in Thailand. The…
Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups
Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…