ISL 2024-25: Kerala Blasters Stunned by Punjab FC in Kochi; Luka Majcen Breaks Hearts of Home Fans

Add as a preferred source on Google

Kerala Blasters and Punjab FC faced off in an intense ISL 2024-25 opener on 15 September, marking a dramatic start to the season. The game, played at a packed Kaloor stadium in Kochi, saw both teams vying to begin their campaign on a high note.

Luka Majcen starred in the closing minute with a goal from the spot and an assist to Croatian Filip Mrzljak for the winner in injury time after Jesus Jimenez scored a dramatic equaliser seconds ago. All this happened in 10 minutes.

Despite Kerala having more possession in the first half, the match was goalless at halftime, with neither team able to break through in a tightly contested battle. The second half saw a change in pace, especially after the introduction of substitutes.

The match's deadlock was broken in the 86th minute when Luka Majcen converted a penalty to put Punjab FC ahead. Kerala Blasters' defence, which had held firm throughout, faltered at this crucial moment after a foul by Shaheef led to the spot-kick. As the match edged towards its conclusion, Kerala Blasters pushed hard for an equaliser, and they found it through Jesús Jiménez in the 92nd minute. A precise cross from Pritam Kotal allowed Jiménez to head the ball into the net, igniting celebrations among the home crowd.

However, the drama wasn't over yet. Punjab FC's persistence paid off in the dying moments as Majcen, instrumental in both Punjab's attacks and defence, played a key role in setting up Filip, who calmly slotted the ball into the net to restore the lead in the 95th minute. Kerala Blasters couldn't find a way back, and the match ended 1-2 in favour of Punjab FC.

Despite dominating possession with 58%, Kerala managed just six shots, only four of which were on target. On the other hand, Punjab made better use of their opportunities, with two out of their three on-target shots resulting in goals. The game was marred by a heated moment late into added time when a reckless tackle by Rahul on Majcen almost sparked a brawl, but cooler heads prevailed after intervention by the coaching staff.

This result places Punjab FC on a strong footing in the ISL points table, while Kerala Blasters will have to regroup quickly to bounce back from this disappointing start to their campaign.