Kerala Blasters and FC Goa prepare for final ISL match of season

With the season nearing its conclusion, both teams aim to strengthen their league positions. The fixture holds particular significance due to the narrow point differences in the mid-table, potentially affecting final standings.

Kerala Blasters enter the match following a 3-1 comeback win against Mohammedan Sporting Club, extending their unbeaten run to five matches and securing a third consecutive victory. Goals from Francisco Feuillassier, Victor Bertomeu, and substitute Sreekuttan MS contributed to the result. Under head coach Ashley Westwood, the team has demonstrated growing organization and attacking intent in recent weeks.

Currently eighth with 14 points from 12 matches, Kerala Blasters can move to 17 points with a win, potentially confirming their standing. Victor Bertomeu, with four goals, and Francisco Feuillassier, with two goals and two assists, have been key attacking players, supported by assist leader Ebindas Y, winger Kevin Yoke, and midfielder Matias Hernandez.

Westwood commented on the fixture’s importance and the quality of the opposition: “First and foremost, we’re going to try and play to win like we always do. We’ve played teams in and around the top three or four already, and this is a team in that mold as well. I know Manolo [Marquez] fairly well; he’s a good coach who likes to play football,” he said. “I coach as I played: heart on the sleeve, passionate, and determined to win. You set the standards and the guidelines, and hopefully, everybody gives their all, which is what I do.”

Attacker Francisco Feuillassier reflected on the team’s style and his adaptation: “Our style is always to try to be the protagonist with the ball and to press when we don’t have it. It is demanding a lot of effort, but this is what we believe is the best for us, and the results are showing this,” he stated. “I prefer to push myself in attack and create chances rather than defending all game. There are differences in rhythm and space compared to Europe, but we try to play with a similar structure; at the end of the day, it is the same sport.”

FC Goa arrive in Kochi after drawing 1-1 with Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The team conceded early in that match but equalized through Ronney Willson Kharbudon in the second half to earn a point.

Under head coach Manolo Marquez, FC Goa have displayed consistency throughout the campaign. Currently seventh with 20 points from 12 matches, a victory would elevate them to 23 points and provisionally place them in the top four.

Key contributors include Dejan Drazic, who has six goals and three assists, midfielder Muhammad Nemil, defenders Pol Moreno and Aakash Sangwan, and goalkeeper Bob Jackson, who performed notably in the previous fixture.

Marquez reflected on the season and upcoming challenge: “We won the Super Cup, another big target for the team, and we lost only two games [in the league]. I am very, very satisfied and proud to be the coach of this team and of this club that for me is the best club in India,” he said. “I think that we play against the team who is more motivated in the competition, even more than the teams who are fighting for the title. After Ashley Westwood and Peter Hartley arrived, they improved the level. It’s a tough game and we need to compete. We don’t go to Kerala on holidays.”

Defender Nim Dorjee also spoke about squad readiness: “I am not getting enough time to play, but I am trying to do my best for the team. This is the life of a footballer. Even if we don’t play, we have to be 100 per cent ready,” he noted. “If we get a chance, we have to prove it.”

Historically, FC Goa have dominated this fixture, winning 13 of 22 meetings compared to Kerala Blasters’ five, with four draws. FC Goa have outscored Kerala 50 goals to 31 in these encounters. The most recent meeting in February 2025 ended with a 2-0 victory for FC Goa in Margao.

With both sides seeking to end their campaigns positively, the match offers an opportunity to secure crucial points and build momentum ahead of the next season.