#2 FC Pune City lacked intent
The Stallions had played just three days ago in an away match at Guwahati and the long travel and tight schedule meant that Pune were the second favourites against Kerala. Pune City coach Antonio Habas made just three changes to his starting eleven as Gustavo Oberman came in for Momar Ndoye and the duo of Pitu and Rahul Bheke also were given a start against the Blasters.
The home side attacked them from the word go as Pune struggled to contain a brilliant Kerala strikeforce.
The scoreline does not suggest the true picture as Pune were lucky to concede just two against an inspired Kerala side, who were waiting eagerly to avenge their previous game's 5-0 drubbing at the hands of table-toppers Mumbai City FC.
The Pune City players looked lethargic at times as Kerala had acres of space when they attacked. Habas' men looked very jaded, in a game where they needed to win to progress to their first ever ISL semi-finals.