Kerala Blasters plunged to a new low on Saturday night as a first-half defensive meltdown handed Punjab FC a commanding 3-1 victory at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The result leaves the Blasters winless after six matches, languishing in 13th place, while "The Shers" climbed to fifth in the ISL 2025-26 table.
Despite a jam-packed stadium in Kochi, the home side was booed off at the interval after conceding three goals in 38 minutes. For Punjab FC, it was a historic evening, marking their third consecutive win in Kochi; making them only the second team in league history to achieve such a streak at the venue.
Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis made three tactical changes that paid immediate dividends. The standout was Bosnian midfielder Samir Zeljkovic, who was later named Player of the Match for a clinical performance that exposed the Blasters' disorganized backline.
7th minute: Zeljkovic opened the scoring, chesting down a lofted pass from Khaiminthang Lhungdim before slotting it past the onrushing Arsh Shaikh.
18th minute: A fundamental passing error from Kerala defender Hormipam Ruivah gifted the ball to Zeljkovic, who slipped Bede Osuji through for a sharp left-footed finish.
38th minute: The contest was effectively ended when Manglenthang Kipgen’s long-range effort rattled the bar, allowing Dani Ramirez to nod the rebound into an empty net.
David Catala’s side showed more incisiveness after the break, fueled by the lively wing play of Kevin Yoke. The Blasters eventually pulled a goal back in the 65th minute when Fallou Ndiaye powered home a header from a Jai Quitongo cross.
However, Punjab’s defense, led by Arshdeep Singh, repelled the late surge. The night ended in further misery for the hosts when Marlon Roos-Trujillo was sent off in stoppage time for a second bookable offense, reducing the Blasters to ten men.
Winless run: Kerala Blasters have just one point from six games, their worst-ever start to an ISL campaign.
Kochi fortress breached: Punjab FC has now won their last three away fixtures in Kochi, a rare feat in the ISL.
Selection stability: David Catala named an unchanged XI for the first time this season, but the lack of defensive cohesion remained evident.
Disciplinary woes: The red card for Roos-Trujillo means he will miss the next fixture, further stretching an already struggling squad.
While Mumbai City and Mohun Bagan continue to lead the pack, the story in Kochi is one of mounting frustration. With only one point from a possible 18, David Català’s position is under intense scrutiny. For Punjab FC, the victory serves as a platform to challenge the top four as the league heads into a critical stretch.
