Kerala Blasters FC Triumphs Over East Bengal FC in Kalinga Super Cup 2025

Kerala Blasters FC Advances in Kalinga Super Cup

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], April 21: Kerala Blasters FC commenced their Kalinga Super Cup 2025 journey with a solid 2-0 win against the reigning champions, East Bengal FC, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, securing their spot in the quarter-finals, according to the official ISL website.

With new head coach David Catala at the helm, the Blasters displayed a revitalized and organized performance. Goals from Jesus Jimenez and Noah Sadaoui ensured a comfortable victory, marking a positive beginning to this new chapter.

East Bengal's coach, Oscar Bruzon, opted for a three-man defense, utilizing PV Vishnu and Mohammad Rakip as wing-backs. In contrast, Catala positioned captain Adrian Luna centrally, with Danish Farooq supporting striker Jimenez.

The match began with Kerala Blasters asserting themselves. Just two minutes in, Sadaoui set up Jimenez perfectly, but the Spaniard missed the opportunity. East Bengal responded in the 7th minute when Richard Celis narrowly missed after a setup from Dimitrios Diamantakos.

As both teams settled into a rhythm, Sadaoui continued to pose a threat on the right flank. In the 34th minute, he created another chance for Jimenez, who shot over the bar.

Five minutes before halftime, Kerala Blasters earned a penalty when Sadaoui was fouled by Anwar Ali in the box. Jimenez's initial attempt was saved by Prabsukhan Singh Gill, but a retake was ordered. This time, despite a touch from Gill, Jimenez found the net, putting the Blasters ahead 1-0.

East Bengal nearly equalized just before the break when Vishnu's powerful shot hit the post, and Raphael Messi Bouli failed to convert the rebound. The first half concluded with Kerala Blasters leading 1-0.

Bruzon made two substitutions at halftime, introducing captain Saul Crespo and Nishu Kumar, but the Red and Gold Brigade struggled to penetrate Kerala Blasters' solid defense.

Catala's squad remained a threat on counterattacks. Luna's injury around the hour mark led to Freddy's introduction, but it did not hinder their momentum.

In the 64th minute, Sadaoui unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from distance that hit the crossbar and crossed the line before Gill could react, doubling Kerala Blasters' lead.

Despite further changes from Bruzon, East Bengal FC could not create any significant chances. Sadaoui had a late opportunity to score again but shot over the bar.

With the defending champions eliminated, Kerala Blasters FC will now face ISL double winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the quarter-finals on April 26.