If you missed the intense showdown between Kerala Blasters FC and East Bengal FC at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata during the 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) season, we’ve got you covered.
In a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Kerala Blasters FC emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. Let’s delve into the exhilarating details of this match that had fans and pundits buzzing.
Luna’s Crafty Play Leads to Blasters’ Lead
Adrian Luna, the star of Kerala Blasters FC, played a crucial role in this exciting match. With his constant teasing of the East Bengal backline, Luna created opportunities seemingly out of thin air. His moment of brilliance arrived in the 32nd minute, as he spotted a disoriented opposition defense and skillfully set up fellow teammate Daisuke Sakai.
Luna wasted no time and swiftly made his way into the box, leaving Mohamad Rakip bamboozled with his quick footwork, and he delivered a precise shot past Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, giving his team the lead. Sakai’s goal marked a significant milestone, making him the fourth Japanese player in ISL history to find the back of the net, following the footsteps of Cy Goddard, Katsumi Yusa, and Rei Tachikawa.
Sachin Suresh: The Surprise Package in Goal
While Luna shone in attack, the young goalkeeper Sachin Suresh emerged as a pleasant surprise for the Blasters. His exceptional distribution skills were evident, boasting a remarkable 57% passing success rate in his six appearances. However, it was his shot-stopping heroics that truly turned heads.
In this match, Sachin saved a crucial penalty, marking his second consecutive penalty save in ISL history. Brazilian striker Cleiton Silva had an excellent opportunity to level the scores in the 85th minute, but Sachin’s diving save to the right sent the Salt Lake Stadium into a frenzy. He became the first goalkeeper in ISL history to achieve such a feat, cementing his status as a rising star in the league.
Blasters Capitalize on East Bengal’s Setback
Following Sachin’s penalty save, East Bengal FC found themselves momentarily shaken, and the Blasters seized the opportunity. Sandeep Singh delivered a pass to Dimitrios Diamantakos, who faced minimal resistance in the 88th minute and managed to convert the chance into a goal. However, Diamantakos’ joy was short-lived as he received his second yellow card in the 89th minute, resulting in his ejection.
The numerical advantage worked in Kerala Blasters’ favor, earning them a spot-kick in the ninth minute of added time. This time, Silva successfully converted the penalty, but unfortunately for East Bengal FC, time was not on their side. The match ended with a 2-1 victory for Kerala Blasters FC.
What’s Next for These Teams
Both teams are gearing up for another exciting encounter in the ISL. On November 25, East Bengal FC will face Chennaiyin FC in Chennai, while Kerala Blasters FC will host Hyderabad FC. Fans can expect more thrilling action as these teams continue their journey in the 2023-24 ISL season.
FAQs
- Who scored the opening goal for Kerala Blasters FC in the match against East Bengal FC?
- Adrian Luna set up Daisuke Sakai for the opening goal in the 32nd minute.
- What record did Sachin Suresh break in the ISL match?
- Sachin Suresh became the first goalkeeper in ISL history to save consecutive penalties in the same season.
- Which player received a red card for East Bengal FC in the match?
- Dimitrios Diamantakos received a red card in the 89th minute of the match.
- What is the next fixture for East Bengal FC in the ISL?
- East Bengal FC will play against Chennaiyin FC on November 25.
- Where will Kerala Blasters FC’s next ISL match take place?
- Kerala Blasters FC will host Hyderabad FC in their next ISL fixture.