In an electrifying showdown at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday, Chennaiyin FC’s impressive unbeaten away streak in the Indian Super League 2024-25 met a dramatic conclusion with a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Punjab FC. Despite Wilmar Jordan Gil’s remarkable performance, scoring twice, the evening ended in disappointment for Chennaiyin, juxtaposed by a thrilling triumph for Punjab FC who orchestrated a second-half comeback to clinch the win.
The riveting encounter began on a balanced note with both teams, resolute and strategically aligned, eyeing the upper hand. Chennaiyin’s dynamic forward, Jordan Gil, set the tone by putting the visitors in the lead in the 30th minute. The meticulously crafted goal was a result of a swift counter-attack, following an intensive defensive stand by the team. A high-energy offensive maneuver saw Lukas Brambilla exploit a gap in Punjab’s defense, delivering a precise through ball to Gil, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net, marking his fourth goal in just three games this season.
As the first half unfolded, Chennaiyin looked poised to double their advantage, especially when Farukh Choudhary appeared to convert a header from a set-piece, seemingly putting his team two goals ahead. However, celebrations were cut short as the referee disallowed the goal citing a foul, maintaining the slim lead into halftime.
Punjab, however, emerged from the break with renewed determination. It took only a minute into the second half for them to level the scores. Luka Majcen was the catalyst, finding the net with a deft finish to bring Punjab level at 1-1. The momentum had shifted, and before Chennaiyin could regroup, Majcen struck again just two minutes later, putting Punjab ahead and leaving the Chennaiyin camp stunned.
The match took on a new tempo as Chennaiyin intensified their efforts to find an equalizer. The intensity of the game was palpable on the field, with both defenses tested to their limits.
. As the minutes ticked by, Chennaiyin pushed with ferocity, attempting to break through Punjab’s lines and retrieve the game which seemed to be slipping away.
However, it was Punjab who capitalized once more. In the 70th minute, Asmir Suljic seized an opportunity on a counter-attack, extending Punjab’s lead to 3-1 with a finely executed finish, tilting the chances firmly in favor of the hosts.
Yet, Chennaiyin was not ready to concede defeat. As the match neared its conclusion, a last-gasp effort saw Jordan Gil demonstrate his resilience and skill once more. Amidst the chaos inside the Punjab penalty box, he found the back of the net in stoppage time, securing his second goal of the match and his fifth of the season. Despite this late surge, it was too little, too late for Chennaiyin, with the final whistle confirming their 3-2 defeat.
Chennaiyin’s manager, along with his coaching staff, will be quick to assess and recalibrate ahead of their next fixture, a challenging visit to Jamshedpur FC scheduled for Monday. The focus will remain on transforming this setback into a learning experience, reinforcing the squad’s strengths while addressing the gaps exposed during this defeat.
For Punjab FC, the victory marks a decisive moment in their campaign, underlining their potential as a formidable force in this season’s Indian Super League. The spirited comeback underscores the depth and determination inherent in their squad, traits that will be vital as the league progresses.
This intense contest, filled with dramatic turns, captured the essence of the world’s beloved game—demonstrating vividly that resilience and tactical adaptability can turn tides, even against the fiercest odds. As Chennaiyin regroups, the league prepares for more such captivating clashes, reinforcing the competition’s thrilling unpredictability.
