In a thrilling encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, Kerala Blasters FC staged a stunning second-half comeback to defeat East Bengal FC 2-1 in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 clash.
After falling behind to an early goal from Vishnu Puthiya, the Blasters rallied, with Noah Sadaoui shining brightly to equalize before Kwame Peprah sealed the victory late in the game.
This match not only highlighted the resilience of the home side but also brought to light pressing issues for East Bengal as they faced a fourth consecutive defeat.
Here are the key talking points from this exciting fixture.
#5 Sachin Suresh is Impeccable
Kerala Blasters FC goalkeeper Sachin Suresh played a crucial role in the victory, showcasing his excellent shot-stopping abilities. His commanding presence in the box kept East Bengal’s attackers at bay, ensuring the home side stayed in contention for the late comeback.
#4 Noah Sadaoui’s Individual Brilliance
Noah Sadaoui was pivotal in Kerala Blasters’ turnaround. His equalizer in the 63rd minute was a masterclass in individual skill, using his sharp footwork to break through East Bengal’s defense. Sadaoui’s playmaking and ability to deliver in key moments earned him the title of the match’s standout performer.
#3 East Bengal’s Lack of Goal Conversion
Despite their early lead, East Bengal FC struggled with their finishing, which has been a recurring issue throughout the season. They had their chances but failed to capitalize on them, which ultimately cost them the game. The team’s inability to maintain pressure and convert opportunities remains a concern for coach Carles Cuadrat.
#2 Mikael Stahre's First Win in Kochi
This victory marked Kerala Blasters coach Mikael Stahre’s first win at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
His tactics paid off, particularly in the second half, as Kerala Blasters dominated the final stages of the game, much to the delight of the home crowd.
“This crowd is something special and absolutely energetic Also these fans deserve this win,” the coach said after the game.
#1 Carles Cuadrat's Fourth Consecutive Loss
East Bengal coach Carles Cuadrat suffered his fourth consecutive defeat, a tough spot for any manager. Historically, no East Bengal coach has survived after losing four games in a row, raising speculation about Cuadrat’s future at the club.
“We were trying our best but unfortunately we couldn’t get any points today. This and last game we were at the best but we couldnt win,” Carles said after the match.
His team will need to bounce back quickly to avoid further setbacks in the league.
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