Kerala Blasters FC Triumph Over Bengaluru FC in Thrilling Comeback
Kerala Blasters Secures First Win of the Season
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 11: In an exhilarating match at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Kerala Blasters FC achieved their inaugural victory of the Indian Super League 2025-26 season, defeating Bengaluru FC 2-1 after a remarkable second-half comeback.
The match began with Bengaluru taking an early lead due to an own goal by Fallou Ndiaye. However, Kerala's Victor Bertomeu equalized before substitute Francisco Feuillassier netted the winning goal.
This victory elevates Kerala Blasters to 13th place in the league standings with four points, while Bengaluru FC remains in fifth with 14 points.
Kerala started strong, nearly scoring in the seventh minute when a header from Fallou Ndiaye was saved by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Shortly after, Ebindas Y missed a chance from distance, indicating the visitors' early threat.
Bengaluru gradually found their rhythm, with Ryan Williams consistently challenging the Kerala defense. Sunil Chhetri came close to scoring in the 23rd minute, heading wide from a cross by Nikhil Poojary. Williams then tested goalkeeper Arsh Shaikh with a powerful shot from the right side of the box.
The breakthrough for Bengaluru came in the 28th minute through an unfortunate own goal by Fallou, who inadvertently redirected a cross from Williams into his own net while trying to clear it.
The match took a pivotal turn in the 34th minute when Braian Sanchez received a straight red card for violent conduct, leaving Bengaluru with ten players.
Capitalizing on their numerical advantage, Kerala Blasters, led by Kevin Yoke, pressed forward, but Bengaluru's defense, organized by Chinglensana Singh, managed to maintain their slim lead into halftime.
After the break, Bengaluru continued to threaten on the counter, with Williams coming close again in the 49th minute. Ashique Kuruniyan also forced a significant save from Arsh Shaikh as the hosts aimed to extend their lead despite being a man down.
Kerala Blasters began to dominate the game and were rewarded in the 60th minute when Ebindas delivered a precise through ball to Victor Bertomeu, who calmly finished into the bottom-right corner, leveling the score.
With newfound momentum, the Blasters pressed on and found success in the 78th minute. Francisco Feuillassier, making his ISL debut, received another excellent pass from Ebindas, maneuvered past his defender, and scored from a tight angle, putting Kerala ahead 2-1.
Bengaluru fought back in the final moments, with Monirul Molla and Williams leading late attacks, but Kerala's defense held firm. Arsh Shaikh made a crucial save during stoppage time, and Bikash Yumnam executed an important clearance to secure the win.
The match concluded with Kerala Blasters FC celebrating a hard-earned 2-1 victory, showcasing their resilience and ability to turn the game around against a determined Bengaluru side.