In an exhilarating showdown in the Indian Super League 2024-25, Punjab FC staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Chennaiyin FC 3-2, ending the latter’s unbeaten away streak at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday. It was a match marked by intense action and dramatic shifts in momentum, with Punjab rallying from behind to clinch the crucial three points.
Chennaiyin FC, led by the impressive Wilmar Jordan Gil, initially appeared to be in control, as Gil gave them a lead in the 30th minute. This was his fourth goal in just three games, showcasing his remarkable form. The striker latched onto a perfectly threaded through ball from Lukas Brambilla, slicing through the Punjab FC defense with precision. For a moment, it seemed that the Marina Machans were destined to maintain their unbeaten away record, as they confidently held the lead going into halftime.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second half. Punjab launched a ferocious comeback immediately after the break, spearheaded by the dynamic Luka Majcen. His quick-fire brace, with goals in the 46th and 48th minutes, caught Chennaiyin off guard and turned the tide in Punjab’s favor. The home fans erupted in celebration as Majcen demonstrated extraordinary composure to capitalize on defensive lapses by Chennaiyin, proving to be a decisive force in the game.
The frenzy did not stop there as Punjab continued to press forward. Asmir Suljic added a third goal in the 70th minute, extending the home side’s lead and leaving Chennaiyin with an uphill battle. The dynamic playmaker found himself at the end of a swift counterattack, slotting the ball into the net with precision. It was a thrilling example of Punjab’s attacking prowess and further emphasized the club’s resilience.
Despite the two-goal deficit, Chennaiyin did not relent in their pursuit of salvaging the game.
. As the clock ticked toward full time, their determination paid off. In the dying moments of the match, Gil found the net once again in stoppage time, marking his second goal of the evening and his fifth of the season. The serene finish provided a glimmer of hope for the visitors but ultimately was not enough to alter the course of the game.
Key defensive work was a standout feature too, particularly during the game’s opening phase. Laldinliana Renthlei, who returned to the Chennaiyin lineup after serving a one-match suspension, played a crucial role in the defensive setup. His return proved significant as his sharp defensive blocks thwarted early attempts by Punjab to breach the Chennaiyin goal. Renthlei’s tenacity was a bright spot in Chennaiyin’s otherwise challenging matchup.
The game witnessed drama even before the third Punjab goal. In the dying minutes of the first half, Chennaiyin was denied a second goal after Farukh Choudhary’s effort, off a set-piece header from Ryan Edwards, was disallowed due to a foul adjudged by the referee. This decision was met with frustration from the visiting camp, as a two-goal cushion would have potentially sealed the match in their favor.
Despite the 3-2 defeat, Owen Coyle, Chennaiyin’s coach, will likely take the positives from his team’s offensive endeavor. The Norfolk-born manager will look to galvanize his side as they aim to regroup swiftly for their forthcoming fixture against Jamshedpur FC on Monday. With the league presenting numerous challenges, Chennaiyin’s resilience will indeed be tested, yet there remains a strong belief within the camp that this setback can serve as a learning curve going forward.
This eventful match at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium underscores the thrilling unpredictability that defines the Indian Super League, providing fans with captivating displays of skill, strategy, and resilience that make each contest eagerly anticipated.
