Kerala Blasters FC kick off their 2025 Kalinga Super Cup campaign with a high-stakes Round of 16 encounter against defending champions East Bengal FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, April 20.
Both teams arrive at this fixture after narrowly missing out on the ISL playoffs, eager to start afresh in the knockout-style format of the Kalinga Super Cup this year. For the Blasters, this marks the first competitive outing under newly appointed head coach David Català, who has overseen rigorous preparations in Kochi over the past few weeks. With no room for error, the side will look to hit the ground running and make a statement.
East Bengal FC, under the guidance of Oscar Bruzon, will be without key players Hijazi Maher (injured) and Cleiton Silva (released). Despite the absentees, the Red and Gold brigade remain a formidable unit, who will be aiming to defend their title with intent.
Speaking ahead of his first match in charge, Català said: “I know that they are the defending champions from last season. That’s it for sure. Both teams will go for a win in the match. And it’s going to be a passionate game.”
Key Players & Tactical Outlook
Blasters will rely on their attacking trio, Adrián Luna, Noah Sadaoui, and Jesús Jiménez to deliver creativity, movement, and goals in the final third. Their link-up play could prove decisive in breaking down East Bengal’s defense.
In midfield, the presence of Vibin Mohanan could determine how effectively the Blasters control possession and dictate the game’s tempo. The ability to win the ball in the midfield and launch transitions will be critical in a knockout contest.
Head-to-Head This ISL Season
– In Kochi, Kerala Blasters edged East Bengal 2-1, with goals from Noah Sadaoui and Kwame Peprah.
– In the reverse fixture in Kolkata, East Bengal claimed a 2-1 win.
This being Català’s first competitive fixture in charge of the squad, the whole unit will be determined to make a strong first impression under his leadership. With the hunger to bounce back, the Blasters will look to make their presence felt from the outset.
Where & When to Watch
Date: Saturday, April 20, 2025
Kick-Off : 8:00 PM IST
Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar
Live On : JioHotstar
