The Indian Super League (ISL) is a melting pot of passion, strategy, and emerging rivalries, and few matchups capture this spirit as vividly as RoundGlass Punjab FC versus Kerala Blasters. These encounters blend Punjab’s gritty, counter-attacking style with Kerala’s attacking flair, fueled by the electric Manjappada fanbase. The RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters lineups are more than just player lists—they’re tactical blueprints that shape thrilling contests.
The Rivalry: Northern Grit vs Southern Passion
RoundGlass Punjab FC, the Shers from Mohali, have carved a niche since their 2023 ISL promotion. Under Brendan Griffiths in 2024-25, they built on a mid-table debut, leveraging players like Luka Majcen and Filip Mrzljak to challenge bigger sides. Kerala Blasters, the Kochi-based giants, carry a legacy of playoff runs and a fervent following. Coached by Mikael Stahre (replaced by David Català for 2025-26), they leaned on stars like Adrian Luna and Noah Sadaoui to reignite their title hopes post a disappointing 2023-24.
The RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters lineups reflect contrasting philosophies: Punjab’s disciplined 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 versus Kerala’s fluid 4-2-3-1, emphasizing width and creativity. Head-to-head, in 5 ISL meetings, Punjab leads with 3 wins to Kerala’s 1, with 1 draw, per Sofascore data. The 2024-25 season saw Punjab dominate with a 2-1 home win and a 3-1 away triumph, totaling 10 goals across both games. These results underscore why the RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters lineups are so pivotal—small tweaks can swing momentum.
Recent Encounters: Drama and Tactical Masterstrokes
September 15, 2024: Kerala Blasters 1-2 Punjab FC – A Late Heartbreak in Kochi
The season opener at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, was a rollercoaster, with Punjab snatching a 2-1 victory in stoppage time. The RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters lineups set the stage for drama. Kerala, without Luna due to illness, fielded a 4-2-3-1 with Jesús Jiménez up top and Sadaoui on the wing. Punjab opted for a 4-3-3, leaving Majcen on the bench but starting Filip Mrzljak for midfield control.
The first half was cagey, with only 3 shots on target combined, as both teams packed midfields (Punjab 52% possession). Kerala broke through in the 86th minute when Jiménez tapped in a Korou Singh cross, sparking Manjappada’s roars. But Punjab’s late surge flipped the script: Majcen, subbed on, equalized in the 92nd from a Muhammed Suhail assist, and Mrzljak’s 95th-minute header from a Novoselec cross silenced the 30,000-strong crowd. Kerala’s 14 shots to Punjab’s 10 reflected their dominance, but Punjab’s clinical subs proved decisive. This match showcased the RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters lineups adaptability, with Punjab’s bench stealing the show.
February 12, 2025: Punjab FC 3-1 Kerala Blasters – A Statement in New Delhi
The return leg at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, saw Punjab cement their superiority with a 3-1 rout, their second win in Kochi’s history. The RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters lineups evolved: Punjab stuck to 4-3-3, with Ezequiel Vidal adding pace, while Kerala, now under Stahre’s tweaks, used 4-2-3-1 with Kwame Peprah leading.
Punjab struck first in the 18th minute, Majcen heading in a Khaiminthang Lhungdim cross. Kerala equalized in the 35th via Sadaoui’s curling shot, assisted by Luna. Post-halftime, Punjab’s press overwhelmed: Mrzljak scored in the 60th from a Nikhil Prabhu pass, and Vidal sealed it in the 82nd with a solo run. Punjab’s 56% possession and 12 shots (6 on target) outshone Kerala’s 10 shots. The RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters lineups highlighted Punjab’s depth—subs like Nihal Sudeesh added energy—while Kerala’s defensive lapses (Hormipam Ruivah’s errors) cost dearly.
January 5, 2025: Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters – A Preview of Lineups
The anticipated January 5, 2025, clash at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Round 15, ISL 2025-26) promises another thriller. Based on Sofascore and myKhel, predicted RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters lineups reflect squad continuity and new signings. Punjab, ranked 9th, may field:
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Starting XI: Ravi Kumar (GK), Suresh Meitei, Ivan Novoselec, Abhishek Singh, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Ricky Shabong, Nikhil Prabhu, Muhammed Suhail, Filip Mrzljak, Ezequiel Vidal, Luka Majcen
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Substitutes: Mohammad Nawaz, Ninthoinganba Meetei, Juan Mera, Douglas Coutinho, Nihal Sudeesh
Kerala, 8th and under David Català, might opt for:
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Starting XI: Sachin Suresh (GK), Naocha Singh, Pritam Kotal, Hormipam Ruivah, Aiban Dohling, Freddy Lallawmawma, Alexandre Coeff, Adrian Luna (C), Korou Singh, Noah Sadaoui, Kwame Peprah
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Substitutes: Nora Fernandes, Renthlei Lalthanmawia, Danish Farooq, Jesús Jiménez, Mohammed Aimen
This matchup could see Punjab’s press test Kerala’s revamped defense, with Luna’s return key. Expect a 4-3-3 vs 4-2-3-1 battle, with set-pieces crucial.
Tactical Analysis: Lineups That Define the Duel
The RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters lineups reveal tactical evolution. Punjab’s 4-3-3 emphasizes midfield solidity (Prabhu-Shabong-Mrzljak) and wing speed (Vidal, Sudeesh). Their high press—averaging 12 tackles per game—disrupted Kerala’s build-up, especially in February. Set-pieces (4 goals from corners league-wide) were lethal, with Novoselec’s aerial wins (6/8 per game) pivotal.
Kerala’s 4-2-3-1 relies on Luna’s playmaking (3 assists in 2024-25) and Sadaoui’s flair (5 goals). Defensively, Kotal and Ruivah struggled against Punjab’s pace, conceding 5 goals across both games. Substitutions, like Jiménez in September, sparked attacks, but defensive errors persisted. Midfield battles—Luna vs Mrzljak—dictated tempo, with Punjab’s energy edging out. The RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters lineups underscore Punjab’s counter-attacking edge versus Kerala’s possession-based approach (54% average).
Full Scorecard Breakdown
Below is a detailed comparison of the two 2024-25 matches, focusing on the RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters lineups, goals, and key moments.
|
Match Details |
Kerala Blasters vs Punjab FC (Sep 15, 2024) |
Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters (Feb 12, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
|
Venue |
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi |
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi |
|
Final Score |
Kerala Blasters 1-2 Punjab FC |
Punjab FC 3-1 Kerala Blasters |
|
Kerala Blasters Lineup |
Starting XI: Som Kumar (GK), Sandeep Singh, Pritam Kotal, Hormipam Ruivah, Naocha Singh, Alexandre Coeff, Vibin Mohanan, Mohammed Aimen, Korou Singh, Rahul KP, Jesús Jiménez |
Starting XI: Sachin Suresh (GK), Naocha Singh, Pritam Kotal, Hormipam Ruivah, Aiban Dohling, Freddy Lallawmawma, Alexandre Coeff, Adrian Luna (C), Korou Singh, Noah Sadaoui, Kwame Peprah |
|
Punjab FC Lineup |
Starting XI: Ravi Kumar (GK), Suresh Meitei, Ivan Novoselec, Abhishek Singh, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Ricky Shabong, Nikhil Prabhu, Muhammed Suhail, Filip Mrzljak, Ezequiel Vidal, Petros Giakoumakis |
Starting XI: Ravi Kumar (GK), Suresh Meitei, Ivan Novoselec, Abhishek Singh, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Ricky Shabong, Nikhil Prabhu, Muhammed Suhail, Filip Mrzljak, Ezequiel Vidal, Luka Majcen |
|
Goals |
Jesús Jiménez (86′) – Luka Majcen (92′), Filip Mrzljak (95′) |
Luka Majcen (18′), Filip Mrzljak (60′), Ezequiel Vidal (82′) – Noah Sadaoui (35′) |
|
Assists |
Korou Singh (1) – Muhammed Suhail (1), Ivan Novoselec (1) |
Khaiminthang Lhungdim (1), Nikhil Prabhu (1) – Adrian Luna (1) |
|
Key Moments |
– Jiménez breaks deadlock (86′) |
– Majcen’s header opens scoring (18′) |
|
Player of the Match |
Filip Mrzljak (Punjab FC) |
Luka Majcen (Punjab FC) |
This table captures the RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters lineups dynamics, showing Punjab’s bench strength and Kerala’s defensive struggles.
Key Players to Watch in the RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters Lineups
RoundGlass Punjab FC
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Filip Mrzljak: The Croatian’s late winner in September and goal in February made him a clutch performer in the RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters lineups.
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Luka Majcen: His headers and hold-up play (5 goals in 2024-25) troubled Kerala’s backline.
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Ezequiel Vidal: The winger’s pace and February goal stretched defenses, a rising star.
Kerala Blasters
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Noah Sadaoui: His goal and assist in 2024-25 were bright spots, his dribbling key in the RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters lineups.
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Adrian Luna: The captain’s return in February sparked attacks, with his vision creating chances.
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Jesús Jiménez: His late goal in September showed finishing prowess, though inconsistent starts hurt.
Historical Context: A Budding Rivalry
The RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters lineups trace to Punjab’s 2023 ISL entry. Punjab’s 3-1-1 record reflects their edge, with a 4-1 win in the 2023 Super Cup setting the tone. Kerala’s sole victory came in 2023 (3-1), but Punjab’s 2024-25 dominance (5-2 aggregate) shifted momentum. A 1-1 Durand Cup draw in August 2024 showed balance, with Punjab’s Majcen and Kerala’s Aimen trading goals.
Fan Pulse and Social Media Buzz
The RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters lineups lit up X. Post-September, Punjab fans cheered: “Mrzljak’s header broke Kochi! Shers roar! #PFC.” Manjappada lamented: “Defense crumbled again. Luna’s absence killed us. #KBFC.” February’s rout saw #ShersRule trend with 15k posts. Kochi’s 30,000 fans and Delhi’s 10,000 created electric vibes, with clips of Vidal’s goal hitting 300k views.
Looking Ahead: 2025-26 and Beyond
For January 5, 2025, Punjab’s press and Kerala’s revamped defense under Català will clash. Punjab’s youth, like Sudeesh (on loan from Kerala), could shine, while Kerala’s Luna-Sadaoui axis aims to reverse fortunes. Long-term, Punjab’s academy growth and Kerala’s infrastructure (The Sanctuary) signal ambition. The RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters lineups will keep evolving, fueling this rivalry’s fire.
Conclusion
The RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters lineups defined unforgettable 2024-25 battles, from Kochi’s late heartbreak to Delhi’s demolition. Mrzljak’s heroics, Majcen’s headers, and Sadaoui’s flair lit up scorecards, while tactical duels kept fans glued. As ISL 2025-26 unfolds, this matchup promises more drama, with lineups shaping Indian football’s future.
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