ISL 2018-19: Kerala Blasters vs Chennaiyin FC, Hits and Flops - Jeje Lalpekhlua flatters to deceive

#1 Hit - Matej Poplatnik

Poplatnik bagged a brace on the night (Photo: ISL)

Matej Poplatnik conjured a typical centre-forward’s performance during the win over Chennaiyin FC.

The striker made a habit out of popping up at the right place at the right time and was duly rewarded with the goals that propelled the Kerala Blasters away from their series of unfortunate mishaps so far this season.

The Slovenian wore his heart on his sleeve, like he so often does, and linked up effectively with fellow Balkan attacker Slavisa Stojanovic to create a few opportunities early on.

Poplatnik threatened the visitors’ goal with a couple of headers before eventually finding the back of the net. Karanjit, who had prevented him from scoring early on, made a costly error by pushing the ball away into his path for Poplatnik to break the deadlock in the 23rd minute.

However, that was not the end of it for the Slovenian, who capitalised on another opportunity in the second half to complete his quota for the night. Kerala Blasters initiated a quick counter-attack and Stojanovic’s cut-back from the left provided the ideal setting for Poplatnik to score his fourth goal of the season.

The 26-year-old netted the first goal during the win over ATK on the opening day of the ISL this season and has now contributed massively in their next win after 135 days.

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