21 March 2026 at 14:00
Match Summary
Minerva Punjab defeated Kerala Blasters 3:1. The match was played in Indian Super League 2025. Goals were scored by S. Zeljkovic 7′, B. Osuji 18′, Dani Ramirez 38′, F. Ndiaye 65′. 7 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Kerala Blasters had 63% possession while Minerva Punjab held 37%. Kerala Blasters had 8 shots (3 on target) compared to 16 (6 on target) for Minerva Punjab. Kerala Blasters made 4 substitutions, Minerva Punjab made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between Kerala Blasters and Minerva Punjab — 4 goals and 8 cards recorded during the match.
assist: K. Lhungdim
assist: S. Zeljkovic
assist: J. Quitongo
Match Statistics
Kerala Blasters had 63% possession against Minerva Punjab's 37%. Kerala Blasters registered 8 shots (3 on target) while Minerva Punjab managed 16 (6 on target). Corner kicks: 4–2. Fouls committed: 19–5.
Lineups
Kerala Blasters lined up in a 5-4-1 formation under David Catala, while Minerva Punjab deployed a 4-2-3-1 under Panagiotis Dilmperis.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Kerala Blasters is 6.68, compared to 6.79 for Minerva Punjab. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Kerala Blasters's highest-rated starter is Ebindas Y (7.01), while Minerva Punjab's best-rated player is Dani Ramirez (7.30).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Kerala Blasters have contributed 2 goals and 4 assists this season, led by V. Mohanan (1G). Minerva Punjab's starters account for 5 goals and 4 assists, spearheaded by Dani Ramirez (3G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Kerala Blasters deploy 2 defenders rated 6.44 on average, against Minerva Punjab's 2-man backline averaging 6.79. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Kerala Blasters field 7 midfielders averaging 6.80, versus Minerva Punjab's 7 rated 6.98. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Kerala Blasters start 1 forward(s) averaging 6.63, compared to 1 for Minerva Punjab averaging 6.59. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 79% for Kerala Blasters and 75% for Minerva Punjab. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Kerala Blasters's starters have collected 4 yellow cards this season, compared to 6 for Minerva Punjab. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Kerala Blasters's starting XI is 25.5 (youngest: Ebindas Y (20), oldest: S. Singh (30)), while Minerva Punjab average 26.8 (youngest: M. Suhail F (19), oldest: Dani Ramirez (33)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Kerala Blasters's starters average 8 league appearances each, versus 8 for Minerva Punjab. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: David Catala
Substitutes
Coach: Panagiotis Dilmperis
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Kerala Blasters have recorded 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats. Minerva Punjab show 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Kerala Blasters
Minerva Punjab
API data: 23 Mar 2026