Punjab’s inspiring start meets Mumbai City’s need for a response

Dermitzakis urges caution despite Punjab’s late winner, while Márquez calls for patience after the Islanders’ opening setbackNew Delhi: Raphaël Messi Bouli’s stoppage-time heroics gave Punjab FC a winning start to their MG Indian Super League 2026-27 campaign. The Shers now face a different challenge on Monday, with Mumbai City FC arriving at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium determined to put their opening defeat behind them.

Bouli scored in the opening minute and again in added time of the second half to secure a 2-1 victory over Odisha FC, giving head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis three points in his first match in charge. The Greek coach, however, was quick to dismiss any suggestion that the result gave Punjab an advantage over the Islanders.

There is no advantage for any team” at this stage of the season, Dermitzakis said, stressing that teams are still working to establish their identity. He also warned that Punjab must be cautious against a Mumbai side that lost 2-1 to Churchill Brothers SC. With three consecutive away league fixtures to follow, Punjab will want a positive result, though Dermitzakis acknowledged that limited recovery time has made preparation difficult.