Ground: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi

In a high-stakes encounter at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. BFC beat KBFC 3-1 Despite Kerala’s determined play, Bengaluru’s efficient finishing secured the 3 points.

First Half – Kerala Blasters Level Before Halftime

The Blasters started with intensity, and Jiménez tested Bengaluru’s defence early. Bengaluru, however, quickly regained control, and in the 19th minute, Pereyra Diaz found the net with a clinical finish to give Bengaluru a 1-0 lead. Kerala Blasters responded with a series of counter-attacks, spearheaded by Adrian Luna. Just before halftime, Kerala was awarded a penalty following a foul in the box. Jiménez converted confidently, equalising the score at 1-1 as both teams headed to the break.

Second Half

Bengaluru ramped up the tempo in the second half. In the 57th minute, Mendez capitalised on a defensive error, putting Bengaluru ahead 2-1. Kerala Blasters made tactical changes to intensify their attack, with Coach Stahre introducing Rahul KP in the 75th minute. Despite a close attempt in the 87th minute, Kerala couldn’t find an equaliser.

Bengaluru secured their lead in added time, with Mendez scoring his second goal to make it 3-1. Kerala had a late chance, with Rahul’s strike narrowly missing the target. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made a crucial save to deny the Blasters any further scoring opportunities.

Ultimately, Bengaluru FC’s precision in front of goal proved decisive, sealing a 3-1 victory over Kerala Blasters FC. Kerala will aim to regroup ahead of their away game against Mumbai City FC on November 3rd at Mumbai Football Arena.

Punjab FC 2-1 Kerala Blasters FC

In their opening match of the Indian Super League 2024-25 season, Kerala Blasters FC were denied victory by a dramatic Filip Mrzljak goal in the 95th minute, sealing a 2-1 win for Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. In a thrilling encounter, the Blasters fought valiantly, equalizing in injury time through striker Jesús Jiménez, only to see their efforts undone in the dying moments.

First Half: A Tight Contest

The match began with Kerala Blasters paying a silent tribute to Wayanad. The starting XI featured French international Alexandre Coeff making his ISL debut in midfield alongside Freddy. Notably, captain Adrian Luna was absent, leaving defender Miloš Drinčić to marshal the backline. The first half was a cagey affair with limited chances for both sides, as the ball remained largely confined to the midfield.

Punjab FC thought they had broken the deadlock when Mushaga Bakenga put the ball in the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside, leaving the game scoreless at halftime.

Second Half: Injury Time Drama

Kerala Blasters made an immediate impact in the second half with the introduction of Vibin Mohanan and Spanish striker Jesús Jiménez. Their presence injected more pace into the attack, and Noah Sadaoui came close to opening the scoring with a powerful shot, only to be denied by Punjab goalkeeper Ravi Kumar.

Blasters’ head coach Mikael Stahre made five substitutions in the second half, searching for a breakthrough. However, against the run of play, a challenge from Muhammed Saheef on Leon Augustine in the 85th minute led to Punjab being awarded a penalty. Luka Majcen calmly converted, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.

With the home crowd urging them on, Kerala Blasters found an equalizer in the 92nd minute. A perfectly placed cross from Pritam Kotal found Jesús Jiménez, who scored with a precise header on his debut, leveling the match at 1-1 and sending the home fans into a frenzy.

Just when it seemed like the match would end in a draw, Punjab FC launched a last-minute attack. In the 95th minute, Filip Mrzljak struck a ball delivered from a tight angle into the net, sealing a dramatic victory for Punjab FC.

Kerala Blasters will now look to regroup as they prepare for their next fixture against East Bengal FC on 22nd September, aiming to bounce back and secure their first win of the ISL season.