In a dramatic turn of events at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday, Chennaiyin FC saw their unbeaten away record in the Indian Super League 2024-25 come to an abrupt halt. Despite a spirited performance by Wilmar Jordan Gil, who netted twice for the visitors, Chennaiyin FC succumbed to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of a resolute Punjab FC. The match proved to be a thrilling spectacle for the fans, highlighted by a riveting display of football that left both clubs with much to contemplate as they move forward in the season.
The encounter began with both teams testing the waters cautiously, each probing for weaknesses in the other’s lineup. However, things quickly picked up momentum in the 30th minute when Jordan Gil made his presence felt on the pitch. With remarkable composure and accuracy, Gil capitalized on a beautifully threaded pass from Lukas Brambilla, slotting the ball past his former club with precision. It marked his fourth goal in just three matches, a testament to his lethal form this season.
However, the lead and the celebrations in the Chennaiyin camp were short-lived. Just minutes into the second half, Punjab FC showcased their fighting spirit under the illuminated skies of the stadium. Luka Majcen initiated the remarkable comeback with two rapid-fire goals at the 46th and 48th minutes, leaving the opposition stunned and the scoreboard reflecting Punjab’s newfound advantage. Despite the setback, Chennaiyin did not relent in their pursuit of regaining control over the match.
Chennaiyin’s tactical setup underwent a revisitation as they pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Their efforts nearly bore fruit just before halftime; however, a controversial decision saw Farukh Choudhary’s apparent goal disallowed for what the referee deemed a foul during a set-piece situation. This call added a layer of frustration to Chennaiyin’s evening, yet they maintained their attacking intent against Punjab’s reinforced defense.
The hosts, buoyed by their momentum, made full use of their counter-attacking opportunities.
. In the 70th minute, Asmir Suljic added further misery to the visitors by netting a crucial third goal for Punjab, effectively putting them in a strong position. Suljic’s goal came as a bitter blow to Chennaiyin, who found themselves chasing the game with the odds stacked against them.
In a testament to their resilience, Chennaiyin refused to retreat into their shells. They continued to probe Punjab’s defense for a gap to exploit, demonstrating a relentless desire to salvage something from the encounter. As the match entered stoppage time, their perseverance was finally rewarded when Jordan Gil capitalized on a lapse in the opposing defense. He found the back of the net with finesse in the 90+9th minute, scoring his fifth goal of the season with what was the last kick of the game.
With this loss marking the end of their unbeaten streak on the road, Chennaiyin FC and coach Owen Coyle are now setting their sights on swiftly bouncing back. Their upcoming fixture against Jamshedpur FC on Monday offers them a chance to regroup and strategize under new circumstances. Their commitment remains steadfast in tackling the challenges of the season, despite this setback.
Laldinliana Renthlei made a notable return to the starting lineup following his suspension, displaying commendable defensive efforts, particularly during the first half where his timely blocks were crucial in mitigating Punjab’s early threats. Although his contributions were significant, they ultimately fell short in altering the outcome of the match.
As the ISL season progresses, the drama, intensity, and unpredictability of football continue to capture the imagination of fans across the country. While Thursday’s match may have ended in disappointment for some, it undeniably delivered a riveting dose of sportsmanship and competitive spirit. Both teams have showcased elements of brilliance that suggest a promising and tightly contested remainder of the season.
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