ISL | East Bengal punishes nine-man Kerala Blasters

In a gripping encounter at the Nehru Stadium, East Bengal FC secured a stunning 4-2 victory over a nine-man Kerala Blasters in a memorable ISL showdown. Despite an early lead by the Blasters, a series of events unfolded, leading to a dramatic turnaround in favor of East Bengal FC. Let’s delve into the highlights of this enthralling match that left football fans on the edge of their seats.

The Match Unfolds

The game kicked off with Kerala Blasters taking control, securing a lead midway through the first half with a skillful goal from Fedor Cernych, who outsmarted the EBFC goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh. The Blasters, playing their final home match in the league phase, seemed to be in a comfortable rhythm. However, the momentum shifted dramatically towards the end of the opening session.

Turning Point

The turning point came swiftly as Jeakson Singh received his marching orders with a second yellow card, leaving the Blasters a man down. Moments later, Kerala Blasters conceded a penalty in added time, which Saul Crespo calmly converted to equalize the scoreline for East Bengal FC. This sudden turn of events injected a new energy into the match, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.

Dramatic Second Half

The second half saw East Bengal FC capitalizing on their numerical advantage, with Saul Crespo delivering another decisive blow from the middle of the box in the 71st minute, propelling his team into the lead. The Blasters’ woes compounded as defender Naocha Singh was sent off with a red card for a head-butting incident, reducing them to nine men.

Sealing the Victory

With Kerala Blasters struggling to contain the onslaught, East Bengal FC further extended their lead with Naorem Mahesh finding the back of the net. A defensive mishap from Daisuke Sakai resulted in an own goal, sealing the fate of the match and securing a comprehensive victory for East Bengal FC.

Disappointment for Kerala Blasters

Despite their strong start and the playoff berth confirmed the previous night, Kerala Blasters will be deeply disappointed with the outcome. The loss at home, particularly in their final league phase match, will undoubtedly leave the Blasters reeling, reflecting on missed opportunities and lapses in discipline.

Conclusion

East Bengal FC’s triumph over Kerala Blasters in this thrilling ISL clash showcased the unpredictable nature of football. With standout performances and dramatic twists, the match will be remembered for its intensity and the resilience displayed by both teams. As the ISL season progresses, encounters like these serve as a reminder of the captivating drama that unfolds on the football pitch.