[WATCH] Ezequiel Vidal's stunning free kick against Hyderabad FC in ISL 2024-25

The Argentine midfielder scored his debut goal in India in extraordinary fashion.

Punjab FC have made an explosive start to their Indian Super League(ISL) 2024-25 campaign, stunning everyone by securing back-to-back victories against Kerala Blasters FC, Odisha FC, and Hyderabad FC, showcasing a perfect winning record. Ezequiel Vidal scored a brilliant free kick in their last game against the Nizams as the Shers ran out 2-0 winners.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC‘s season has been nothing short of disastrous. Despite a change in ownership, the club remains rooted at the bottom of the table, compounded by a humiliating 3-0 defeat against Bengaluru FC in the Kanteerva and their recent loss against Punjab FC.

Ezequiel Vidal’s freekick

Unfortunately for Punjab FC, they will be without their star striker Luka Majcen, who sustained an injury against Kerala Blasters and is set to miss 6-7 weeks of action. Despite Majcen’s absence, Punjab has exhibited remarkable cohesion and resilience.

Ezequiel Vidal, the Argentine attacking midfielder from Bahia Blanca, stepped up in style during their fixture against Hyderabad FC, breaking the deadlock with a stunning free-kick in the 35th minute. Filip Mrzljak’s 71st-minute strike sealed the deal for Punjab as they took home all three points and a clean sheet, but Vidal’s goal was the more eye-catching of the two.

Vidal’s masterful curler from the set-piece was reminiscent of some of the most iconic goals seen in the Indian Super League, drawing comparisons to elite free-kick takers like Marcelinho, Manuel Lanzarote, Greg Stewart, and Jeremy Manzorro. Vidal’s sensational debut goal indicates that he could soon establish himself among the finest in the league’s history when it comes to free-kick prowess.

Vidal’s name may have been relatively unknown moments before, but his breathtaking performance has catapulted him into the limelight, trending across Twitter and other social media platforms after his stunning free-kick goal.

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Speaking further about him, Norberto Ezequiel Vidal, popularly known as ‘Pulga’ Vidal, commenced his football career with Olimpo before moving to San Martin de San Juan. His journey saw him play for Alvarado and Persita Tangerang, ultimately making his way to the Indian Super League after signing for Punjab FC.

Having honed his skills across the top tiers of Argentinian football and in Liga 1 in Mexico, Pulga Vidal arrived in India determined to leave an indelible mark on the Indian Super League.

His exceptional debut performance for Punjab FC suggests he is ready to make an impactful contribution, helping his side push for their first-ever silverware. In red-hot form, Punjab FC will heavily rely on Vidal’s vision and flair to continue their remarkable run as they set their sights on the ISL League Winner’s Shield and the ISL Trophy to complete a domestic double.

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