Football fans were treated to an electrifying match as Punjab FC took on Chennaiyin FC in their latest Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 clash. Played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on February 15, 2025, the match was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with goals, drama, and last-minute heroics.
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Pre-Match Hype: A Must-Win Game
Both teams had a lot to play for. Chennaiyin FC, coming off a mixed run of form, was looking to grab crucial points in their bid for a playoff spot. Coach Owen Coyle had emphasized the importance of consistency, and with the return of Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, there was renewed hope in the squad.
On the other hand, Punjab FC was riding high on confidence. They had already defeated Chennaiyin FC earlier in the season (3-2) and were looking to repeat history. Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis was banking on his star players to deliver yet again.
First Half: Chennaiyin FC Takes Control
Chennaiyin FC, playing on their home turf, started with high intensity, pressing Punjab FC aggressively.
Their efforts paid off in the 35th minute when they won a free-kick just outside the penalty box. A perfectly curled-in cross met the head of their striker, and boom! The ball found the back of the net, giving Chennaiyin FC a 1-0 lead.
With the crowd cheering them on, Chennaiyin FC kept pushing, but Punjab FC’s goalkeeper pulled off some stunning saves to keep the scoreline intact going into halftime.
Second Half: Punjab FC’s Stunning Comeback
Whatever coach Dilmperis said at halftime clearly worked wonders because Punjab FC came out a completely different side in the second half.
It didn’t take long for them to respond. In the 55th minute, Luka Majcen took advantage of a defensive error and coolly slotted the ball past the Chennaiyin keeper. 1-1!
Before the home side could even recover from the shock, Majcen struck again in the 57th minute. A pinpoint cross from the right found him unmarked, and with a powerful header, Punjab FC suddenly took the lead, 2-1!
The momentum had completely shifted, and Chennaiyin FC was now chasing the game.
Chennaiyin Fights Back, but Punjab Has the Last Laugh
Credit to Chennaiyin FC—they didn’t give up. In the 70th minute, they launched a brilliant attacking move that ended with a clinical finish from their striker to make it 2-2.
The final 20 minutes saw end-to-end action, with both teams pushing hard for a winner. Punjab FC had a golden chance in the 85th minute, but a stunning save from Chennaiyin’s goalkeeper denied them.
Just when it looked like the match would end in a draw, drama unfolded in the 90th minute.
Punjab FC won a corner in the dying moments. The ball was whipped into the box, leading to a chaotic scramble, and in an unfortunate turn of events for Chennaiyin FC, one of their defenders accidentally deflected the ball into his own net. Own goal! Punjab FC 3-2!
Final Whistle & Reactions
The final whistle blew, and Punjab FC emerged victorious with another 3-2 win over Chennaiyin FC, just like their previous encounter.
For Punjab FC, this was a huge win that strengthened their position in the league standings. Luka Majcen was undoubtedly the hero of the night, and the team showed great resilience.
For Chennaiyin FC, this was a tough loss. They fought hard but were undone by a couple of defensive lapses. Coach Owen Coyle now has some serious thinking to do as his team’s playoff hopes hang in the balance.
What’s Next?
With this win, Punjab FC continues their strong run in the ISL, while Chennaiyin FC will need to bounce back quickly in their next match.
One thing is certain—this season of ISL 2024-25 is keeping fans on the edge of their seat
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