Mateta scores stunning goal in return after brutal kung fu kick injury

It is truly a meaningful goal. Jean-Philippe Mateta (28, Crystal Palace), who was taken down by a 'kung fu kick', announced his return with a fantastic goal.

Crystal Palace defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 in Round 31 of the 2024-2025 Premier League (PL), held at Selhurst Park in London, England, on the 5th (Korea time).

It was a fierce match, with a total of three red cards issued to both teams. Palace was leading 2-1 when Eddie Nketiah, who was substituted in the 33rd minute of the second half, was sent off after receiving a second yellow card just 10 minutes after entering the game. In the 45th minute of the second half, Marc Guéhi also received a red card for accumulating yellow cards.

Despite being down to nine players, Palace had no problem maintaining the victory. Instead, Brighton lost momentum in the 6 minutes of added time when Jan Paul van Hek was sent off. Ultimately, Palace managed to endure the remaining time and added 3 points at home.

Mateta scored the opening goal just three minutes into the match, giving Palace the victory. He received the ball near the box and unleashed a thunderous left-footed shot that hit the net. This was his first goal in about 40 days, since the match against Aston Villa at the end of February.

Paul Merson, commentating for British 'Sky Sports', could not hide his admiration for Mateta's wonder goal. He said, "Oh, what a fantastic goal! It was truly a wonderful goal!" and added, "The ball came in from the left side of the box and hit the corner! It hit the top of the goal. Mateta delivered an amazing finish and then kicked the corner flag with a kung fu kick."

Merson continued, "It was a brilliant finish. With the first touch, he turned from the right to the left and pierced the far corner diagonally." He praised further, saying, "It’s an incredible finish. Wow, what a fantastic goal!"

'Football Insider' also noted, "Mateta scored from an angle where he had no right to score, showcasing his incredible ability. After a single touch to separate the ball from his foot, he sent it flying into the top right corner. The Brighton goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, had no chance to stop it."

The reason Mateta's goal was even more remarkable is that it was a return goal after suffering a serious injury. He sustained a horrific injury during the FA Cup Round of 16 against Millwall on the 1st of last month. Palace won 3-1 and advanced to the quarterfinals, but Mateta could not watch it to the end and had to be taken to the hospital.

In the 6th minute of the first half, Mateta rushed to receive a long pass from the back. Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts came out to clear the ball but ended up kicking Mateta's face hard instead. Mateta collapsed, bleeding, and was treated with an oxygen mask for 8 minutes before being carried off on a stretcher. Roberts, who made the perilous tackle, received a direct red card after a video review (VAR).

According to 'Sky Sports', Mateta was treated on the field for about 10 minutes before being transported to the hospital. Fortunately, Oliver Glasner, the Palace manager, stated after the game that Mateta had regained consciousness. He also said, "Mateta's football life could have ended. I don’t want to blame Roberts, but it was a horrific foul."

Steve Parish, the Palace chairman, was also furious. He unusually gave an interview at halftime, stating, "Mateta suffered a severe wound behind his ear and has a head injury. He is currently hospitalized," and emphasized, "I have never seen such a challenge. It was the most reckless tackle I have seen on the field. He (Roberts) has put a colleague’s professional life, perhaps even life, in jeopardy, so he must reflect on himself."

Fortunately, Mateta completed his treatment safely and was discharged. The Palace club reported the next day, "Mateta received specialized treatment at St. George's Hospital this evening. He suffered severe lacerations to his left ear and was discharged after receiving 25 stitches. All test results were clear, and he is in healthy condition."

Mateta also reassured fans through social media, saying, "Thank you for all your warm messages. I’m okay. I hope to return as soon as possible, stronger than ever." He added, "While I was hospitalized, Roberts sent an apology text. I replied, 'It's okay. That can happen in football.' I don’t think Roberts did it intentionally to hurt me. It was just a mistake, and he must have learned a lesson."

Having quickly recovered, Mateta returned to the pitch wearing ear protection after a month. He started in the FA Cup quarterfinal against Fulham on the 29th of last month, greeting fans once again and scoring a fantastic return goal against Brighton, reasserting his presence.

Mateta is also being linked with several major clubs this summer. He has made a significant impact this season, with 15 goals and 3 assists in 36 official matches, drawing considerable interest. Notably, Manchester United is reported to have a strong desire for Mateta. According to Sky Sports, Manchester United plans to bet £40 million (approximately 75.4 billion won) to acquire him.

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