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Kerala Blasters FC vs. Mohun Bagan Super Giant: A Rivalry Forged in ISL History

Posted on by KBFC Admin Sporthood

Since the inception of the Indian Super League (ISL) in 2014, Kerala Blasters FC has shared an intense and competitive rivalry with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, formerly known as ATK and later ATK Mohun Bagan. The fixture has consistently been one of the most talked-about clashes in the league, including two ISL finals between both sides. Over the years, these encounters have played a crucial role in shaping the league’s history, making this one of the most highly anticipated fixtures every season.

ATK was one of the founding teams of the ISL, later merging with Mohun Bagan in 2020 to form ATK Mohun Bagan. The club eventually rebranded in 2023 as Mohun Bagan Super Giant, adopting the legacy of Mohun Bagan while continuing its participation in the ISL. Throughout these transitions, their clashes with Kerala Blasters have remained fiercely contested, with passionate support from both sets of fans.

ATK vs. Kerala Blasters (2014-2020)

The rivalry began in 2014, with Kerala Blasters reaching the first-ever ISL final, only to fall short in a narrow 1-0 loss. The following seasons saw Kerala Blasters challenge ATK in several tightly contested matches.

In 2016, Kerala Blasters secured an important league-stage win, showcasing their ability to stand toe-to-toe with their rivals. The season ended in a dramatic final where Kerala Blasters fought hard but were edged out in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.

Between 2017 and 2019, the matches remained competitive, with both teams achieving wins and sharing points on several occasions.

ATK Mohun Bagan vs. Kerala Blasters (2020-2023)

Following the merger that formed ATK Mohun Bagan in 2020, the rivalry took on a new dimension. Their first meeting under the new identity ended in a close contest, with Kerala Blasters falling short by a single goal.

The matches that followed were often high-scoring and action-packed, including a hard-fought 2-2 draw in 2022. The 2022-23 season saw Kerala Blasters push their opponents to the limit, delivering competitive performances in both encounters.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs. Kerala Blasters (2023-Present)

With the club rebranding as Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2023, Kerala Blasters continued to build upon their rivalry with them. The Blasters delivered a decisive away performance against the Mariners in December 2023, in what was a closely contested match.

The 2024-25 ISL season has already seen another competitive fixture, with Kerala Blasters putting up a strong fight in a 3-2 battle on December 14, 2024. The upcoming match between the two teams presents another opportunity for Kerala Blasters to make a strong statement.

The rivalry resumes on February 15, 2025, as Kerala Blasters FC faces Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. With the home crowd behind them, the Blasters will be eager to secure a vital win. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST.

Secure Your Tickets Now!

Fans can experience this highly anticipated clash live at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Tickets are available for purchase on DISTRICT by Zomato and ensure you are a part of the electrifying atmosphere as Kerala Blasters take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant in this crucial ISL fixture.

Match Report: KBFC vs FCG

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Kerala Blasters FC signed off their Indian Super League 2025-26 campaign in style with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday night.

Goals from Kévin Yoke and Fallou Ndiaye ensured the Blasters claimed all three points in front of their home crowd, extending their unbeaten streak to six matches and securing a fourth consecutive victory to close out the season on a strong note. Muhammed Nemil scored for the visitors, while Kévin Yoke was deservedly named Player of the Match after an influential display.

The result saw Kerala Blasters finish eighth in the standings with 17 points from 13 matches.

The visitors started brightly and enjoyed the majority of possession during the opening exchanges. FC Goa looked dangerous in transition, with Ronney Willson Kharbudon and Dejan Dražić both testing the Kerala Blasters defence early on.

Despite Goa’s control on the ball, Kerala Blasters remained threatening whenever they pushed forward. Vibin Mohanan came close midway through the first half after forcing a sharp save from Bob Jackson, while a series of dangerous corners kept the visitors pinned back.

Nihal Sudeesh nearly broke the deadlock late in the half with an ambitious effort, while at the other end Udanta Singh’s header was brilliantly dealt with by Arsh Shaikh to ensure the sides went into the break level.

The Blasters emerged for the second half with far greater urgency, and the breakthrough arrived almost immediately. In the 48th minute, Kévin Yoke produced a moment of quality, unleashing a stunning strike from outside the box that flew into the top corner to ignite the home crowd.

FC Goa responded and continued to move the ball through the midfield. Their pressure paid off in the 62nd minute when Brison Fernandes delivered a dangerous low cross into the area, allowing Muhammed Nemil to finish from close range and bring the visitors back on level terms.

The contest remained finely balanced as both teams searched for a winner. Yoke continued to drive Kerala Blasters forward with his energy and direct running, while FC Goa threatened through long-range efforts from Dražić and Udanta Singh.

The decisive moment came in the 81st minute. Francisco Feuillassier whipped in a dangerous corner delivery, and Fallou Ndiaye reacted quickest inside the box to guide the ball into the bottom corner and restore Kerala Blasters’ advantage.

FC Goa pushed numbers forward in the closing stages in search of another equaliser, but the Blasters defended resolutely. Late attempts from Prachit Vishwas and others were blocked as the hosts managed the final moments to secure an impressive victory in their final game of the season.

The win capped off a remarkable end to the campaign for Kerala Blasters, whose strong late-season form saw them finish the season unbeaten in six matches and with four straight victories heading into the off-season.

How to Watch & Follow KBFC vs FCG

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Kerala Blasters FC return home one final time this season as they prepare to face FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, with momentum and belief.

The Blasters head into the fixture on the back of an exceptional run of form, having picked up 13 points since Gameweek 6, the highest tally by any side in the league during that period. More importantly, Kochi has once again become a fortress.

Ashley Westwood’s have won three consecutive home matches, rediscovering the intensity and energy that has defined their performances in front of their fans.

Recent results have underlined the side’s resurgence. The Blasters secured a strong 2-0 victory over Jamshedpur FC before following it up with an impressive away win against Bengaluru FC, a battling draw against NorthEast United, a clinical victory against Odisha FC, and a composed victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club.

FC Goa, meanwhile, arrive after a mixed set of results in their last few outings. #TheGaurs registered an important win over Odisha FC but were beaten by Bengaluru FC prior to that, alongside consecutive draws against Chennaiyin FC and Punjab FC.

For Kerala Blasters, this fixture is more than just the final home game of the campaign. It is an opportunity to cap off a remarkable turnaround in front of their supporters. The squad has shown resilience, attacking intent, and togetherness in recent weeks, with Kochi once again providing the perfect backdrop for the team’s revival.

With the atmosphere expected to be electric under the lights, the Blasters will look to deliver one more memorable night at home and extend their unbeaten momentum against #TheGaurs.

Match Report: KBFC vs MSC

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The Blasters extended their unbeaten run to five matches with a commanding 3-1 win over Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday night.

Despite dominating large spells of the first half, the Blasters found themselves behind in the 42nd minute after Mahitosh Roy struck from distance for the visitors. The response, however, was immediate.

Just two minutes later, Francisco Feuillassier brought Blasters level, calmly finishing off a perfectly weighted through ball from Kévin Yoke to ensure the sides went into the break tied at 1-1.

The second half belonged to KBFC.

Ashley Westwood’s men resumed with intensity and control, continuing to dictate possession and create chances. Their pressure paid off in the 58th minute when Víctor Bertomeu rose highest to head home Yoke’s pinpoint delivery and give Blasters the lead.

With momentum firmly in their favour, the hosts continued to push forward. Substitute Sreekuttan M S nearly added a third soon after, rattling the crossbar with a deflected effort.

The youngster eventually got his goal in the 74th minute. Feuillassier turned provider this time, lifting a clever ball into the box for Sreekuttan to tap home and cap off a well-worked move.

Mohammedan’s night went from bad to worse late on when Amarjit Singh was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, as the Blasters comfortably saw out the remainder of the contest.

Franchu was named Player of the Match after an influential display that included a goal and an assist, while Yoke’s creativity proved central to Kerala’s attacking dominance with two assists to his name.

The result moves Kerala Blasters FC up to 8th in the Indian Super League standings with 14 points from 12 matches.

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Up Next: The Blasters take on FC Goa in their final game of the season at home on 18th May. Get your tickets now for #KBFCFCG: https://www.district.in/events/isl-2025-26-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-fc-goa-buy-tickets

How to Watch & Follow KBFC vs MSC

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Kerala Blasters FC return to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium today as they prepare to face Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Indian Super League.

The Blasters have looked like a rejuvenated side ever since their comeback victory against Bengaluru FC at the Kanteerava Stadium. A result that has sparked a significant turnaround in momentum and belief within the squad. Since that statement win in Bengaluru, Kerala Blasters have steadily built rhythm, intensity, and consistency at a crucial stage of the season.

The Blasters are unbeaten at home since the Bengaluru FC victory, picking up impressive results against strong oppositions. A commanding 2-0 win over Jamshedpur FC showcased their growing control and defensive organisation, before another spirited 2-1 victory over Odisha FC highlighted the attacking sharpness and resilience returning to the side.

They also held NorthEast United to a draw during this run, extending their positive momentum in Kochi.

Mohammedan Sporting, meanwhile, arrive still searching for stability this ISL campaign. The Kolkata side remain winless away from home this season and have struggled defensively throughout the campaign.

Historically too, this fixture has favoured Kerala Blasters. The Blasters have won both previous ISL meetings against Mohammedan Sporting, including a dominant 3-0 victory in Kochi.

With momentum building, confidence growing, Kerala Blasters will look to continue their strong run at home.

Watch #KBFCMSC live only on FanCode.

Match Report: KBFC vs OFC

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There was a sense of insistence about the Blasters on Thursday night, an understanding that, even if the rhythm dipped, the result would not.

At the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, they found a way.

A 2–1 victory over Odisha FC was ultimately decided deep into stoppage time, when Matías Hernández rose with conviction to meet a corner and guide home the winner. It was the kind of moment that tends to define dressing rooms. Late, decisive, and built on collective persistence.

Kerala began with clarity. Their left side carried intent early on, with Kévin Yoke repeatedly stretching Odisha’s defensive line. The opener reflected that pressure rather than a single moment of brilliance scrappy, reactive, and sharp in execution.

When the ball broke kindly inside the box, Víctor Bertomeu adjusted quickest, showing composure to finish from close range and give the hosts an early advantage.

For a period, it felt like Kerala could take control of the contest. Bertomeu remained involved, testing the goalkeeper again, while Arsh Anwer Shaikh dealt calmly with Odisha’s first real attacking sequence.

But matches at this level rarely stay one-sided. Odisha grew into the game with more assured possession, and their equaliser, finished by Rahim Ali.

The second half demanded a different quality, Resilience. Odisha applied pressure in spells, forcing the Blasters deeper and drawing multiple interventions from Arsh, who was reliable when called upon. In front of him, the defensive unit held its line well, absorbing phases without losing organisation.

Going forward, the Blasters were less expansive but remained purposeful. Yoke continued to dictate transitions, ensuring that even when the game tightened, there was still a route into the final third.

As the clock moved into stoppage time, the game had the feel of a draw. the Blasters, however, continued to commit bodies forward when the opportunity arose.

From a late corner, Ebindas delivered with precision, and Hernández attacked the space decisively his header firm, well-directed, and beyond reach.

There was still time for another moment—Yoke briefly thought he had added a third—but the offside flag curtailed it. Odisha’s final effort drifted wide, and with that, the points were secured.

How to Watch & Follow KBFC vs OFC

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The Blasters are back home once more as they square off against Odisha FC on the back of a run that has quietly shifted the tone around their season.

After taking just one point from their opening seven games, the Blasters have collected seven points from their last three fixtures, including a composed 2–0 win over Jamshedpur.

There is also a visible attacking structure beginning to form. The Blasters have scored consistently in recent matches, while players like Franchu have provided a focal point in the final third. At the same time, the side is not overextending itself; the balance between control and progression has improved over the last few weeks.

Odisha FC arrive in a different phase. Their last outing—a 1–1 draw against Mohammedan Sporting summed up their current trajectory. They had control for periods but struggled to convert it into a decisive result. That has been a recurring pattern: moments of promise without sustained consistency.

Their broader form line underlines this. Odisha have won just one of their last six matches, drawing twice and losing three. Away from home, they have also shown vulnerability, conceding regularly and finding it difficult to manage defensive transitions over 90 minutes.

There is still attacking threat within their setup, players like Isak Ralte, VP Suhair, can create situations but the issue has been continuity across phases of play. Matches tend to drift for Odisha, rather than being dictated.

From a tactical standpoint, this game is likely to be decided in midfield control and tempo. Kerala Blasters, in their current phase, are showing greater cohesion in these areas. Their ability to sustain pressure without forcing the game has been a key improvement, and at home, that becomes more pronounced.

There is also a contextual edge. The Blasters are not chasing a reset anymore; they are building on something that is already working. Odisha, by contrast, are still searching for consistency within their structure.

Head-to-head history between the two sides has been evenly balanced over time, but recent context leans towards the Blasters having the clearer direction going into this fixture.

This is not a game that requires exaggeration. It is one where Kerala Blasters can continue what they have started incremental progress, controlled football, and another step forward in a season.

From La Fábrica to Kochi: The Franchu Blueprint

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A goal and an assist in his first three games — the start is visible. What’s less obvious is the journey that built it.

Franchu arrives at Kerala Blasters not as a raw talent, but as a player shaped across systems, setbacks, and second chances.

A Journey That Doesn’t Follow the Script

Born in Mar del Plata, Argentina, Franchu entered elite football early, joining Real Madrid’s academy at just 10.

But his story pivots on disruption.

Released at 13, he rebuilt at Rayo Vallecano before earning a return to Madrid — a rare second shot in one of football’s most selective systems. That return wasn’t symbolic. It led to consistent minutes with Real Madrid Castilla and eventually, the first team.

Real Madrid: Small Sample, Big Indicators

His time around the first team at Real Madrid was brief in minutes, but high in value.

  • Debut under Zinedine Zidane
    Introduced in the Copa del Rey — a competition often used to test players trusted within the system.
  • Shared the pitch with elite profiles
    Franchu featured in games involving names like Gareth Bale — a reflection of the level he was operating at daily in training and match environments.
  • Used in attacking contexts
    His introductions weren’t passive minutes. He was deployed in forward roles, expected to maintain attacking structure and tempo.
  • A rare return story
    Being released and then re-signed by Madrid — and still breaking into first-team squads — is an uncommon trajectory at elite academies.
  • Castilla consistency
    With Real Madrid Castilla, he operated within a positional system closely aligned to the first team, reinforcing tactical discipline early.

Built on Adaptation

Post-Madrid, Franchu’s career spans multiple leagues — each adding a layer.

  • CF Fuenlabrada: first consistent exposure to senior football
  • SD Eibar and FC Cartagena: structured, system-heavy roles
  • Diósgyőri VTK: added physicality and direct play

This isn’t instability. It’s range. Different leagues, different tactical demands — same output expectation.

Lesser-Known Details

  • Football runs in the family
    His brother, Santiago Franchu, also developed through Spanish systems.
  • Positional flexibility
    Naturally a winger, but comfortable across both flanks and in central attacking roles.
  • Control over chaos
    More than pace, his game is built on rhythm, spacing, and decision-making in the final third.

What He Brings to Kerala Blasters

At 27, Franchu is in his tactical prime.

The early numbers — a goal and an assist — align with a broader pattern: he adapts quickly. More importantly, he brings something less visible but critical — system intelligence.

Having been coached in environments where positioning, timing, and decision-making are non-negotiable, he adds structure to the final third.

Squad Updates

Posted on by KBFC-Media-Manager

The Blasters can confirm that Danish and Karim have sustained hamstring injuries during the recent fixture against Jamshedpur FC. Both players are currently under close observation by the club’s medical team, with further assessments ongoing to determine the extent of their injuries and expected recovery timelines.

Amawia is set to undergo ankle surgery and will be unavailable for the remainder of the season. The club will continue to provide the necessary support throughout his rehabilitation process.

Match Report: KBFC vs JFC

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The Blasters delivered a controlled and authoritative performance to secure a 2–0 victory over Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League 2025–26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, on April 18.

The hosts set the tone early, combining structured build-up with intent in wide areas. The breakthrough arrived in the 12th minute through a well-worked move—Kévin Yoke initiating the phase before Karim Benarif advanced down the left and delivered with precision. Nihal Sudheesh met it with conviction, directing his header past the goalkeeper to give the Blasters a deserved lead.

Jamshedpur threatened a response soon after, with Lazar Ćirković striking the post from a set-piece, but Kerala maintained composure and defensive organisation. The midfield unit controlled transitions effectively, limiting the visitors’ ability to sustain pressure in advanced areas.

The second goal reflected similar clarity in execution. Francisco Feuillassier’s delivery from the flank was met by Vibin Mohanan—introduced earlier in the half—who attacked the space decisively to double the advantage in the 36th minute.

The second half demanded resilience. Jamshedpur increased intensity, committing numbers forward, but Arsh Shaikh produced a sequence of high-quality interventions to preserve the clean sheet. His command of the box and shot-stopping under pressure ensured the hosts retained control despite sustained spells without possession.

Kerala continued to threaten in transition, with Yoke and Víctor Bertomeu linking effectively, while the defensive unit remained compact and disciplined. The contest was effectively settled in the 84th minute when Stephen Eze was sent off, further easing late pressure.

Nihal Sudheesh’s decisive opener and overall influence earned him the Player of the Match, while the collective defensive display underlined a performance built on structure, clarity, and control.

The Blasters now turn their attention to Odisha FC, whom they face at home on April 23, aiming to extend their unbeaten run.

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Get your tickets now #KBFCOFC: https://www.district.in/events/isl-2025-26-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-odisha-fc-buy-tickets

How to Watch & Follow KBFC vs JFC

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The Blasters are back home with rhythm on their side—unbeaten in two and beginning to show structural clarity under Ashley Westwood. The last outing reinforced a growing pattern: improved defensive organisation, better game management, and decisive moments in key phases.

Jamshedpur FC arrive in decent touch but not dominance. Three consecutive draws, including a 1-1 against Mumbai City FC, point to a side that competes but hasn’t been clinical enough to close games.

More significantly, they travel without Head Coach Owen Coyle on the touchline—an absence that often impacts in-game adjustments, especially in tight away fixtures.

From a historical standpoint, this fixture has been balanced overall—5 wins each and 9 draws across 19 meetings. However, the narrative shifts at Kaloor. Jamshedpur have consistently struggled to impose itself in Kochi, where the Blasters’ control of tempo and crowd influence tends to tilt marginal games.

Tactically, the game sets up in KBFC’s favour:

  • Defensive stability: The inclusion of Fallou Ndiaye has added structure and aerial authority, reducing transition vulnerability.  
  • Midfield control: Blasters are beginning to dictate phases rather than react—key against a JFC side reliant on moments rather than sustained dominance.
  • Game state management: Jamshedpur’s recent run suggests difficulty in converting control into wins; Blasters, conversely, are trending upward in closing phases.

Jamshedpur will remain a set-piece threat and carry physical presence, but without their head coach and with a tendency to stall in decisive moments, this becomes a game of margins—one that historically and stylistically leans home.

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Get your tickets for the next game against Odisha FC: https://www.district.in/events/isl-2025-26-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-odisha-fc-buy-tickets