East Bengal FC secured a crucial 4-2 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in a pulsating Indian Super League (ISL) encounter at the Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Wednesday. The win keeps East Bengal’s playoff aspirations alive, while Kerala Blasters, already assured of a playoff spot, will be left pondering what could have been after a night of misfortune and missed opportunities. Read out Kerala Blasters vs East Bengal match report to know more.
Blasters Draw First Blood, But Jeakson Singh’s Red Card Sparks Chaos
Kerala Blasters got off to a promising start with a clinical finish from Fedor Cernych in the 24th minute. The Kochi crowd was buzzing, and the home side looked in control. However, the tide began to turn just before halftime when Jeakson Singh received a second yellow card and was sent off for a reckless challenge. This indiscretion proved to be a pivotal moment in the match.
East Bengal Pounce on the Advantage
East Bengal, sensing an opportunity, upped the tempo and piled pressure on the ten-man Blasters defense. The Kolkata giants were awarded a penalty in stoppage time of the first half, and Spanish midfielder Saul Crespo coolly converted from the spot to level the score just before the break.
Second Half Dominated by East Bengal as Blasters Falter
The second half was a one-sided affair. East Bengal, buoyed by the momentum shift, took complete control of the midfield. Saul Crespo found the net again in the 71st minute with a composed finish from inside the box, putting East Bengal in the lead for the first time.
Blasters Reduced to Nine Men, East Bengal Run Riot
Just three minutes later, Kerala Blasters’ misery compounded as Noacha Singh received a straight red card for a head-butt on CK Aman. Down to nine men, the Blasters’ defense crumbled. Youngster Naorem Mahesh capitalized on the situation, scoring a brilliant brace within a five-minute span. His first goal was a curling effort that took a deflection off Daisuke Sakai, while his second was a powerful strike that rattled the roof of the net.
A Glimmer of Hope Dashed Quickly
Kerala Blasters were gifted a lifeline in the 84th minute. This is when East Bengal defender Hijazi Maher inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. However, any hopes of a dramatic comeback were dashed just three minutes later. Naorem Mahesh completed his brace to seal the win for the visitors.
East Bengal’s Playoff Push Continues, Blasters Left to Rue Missed Opportunities
While the win keeps East Bengal’s playoff dreams alive, their remaining matches will be crucial. For the Kerala Blasters, this match serves as a harsh reminder of the importance of discipline and composure. The decision to substitute their leading scorer, Diamantakos, early in the second half with the game still in the balance, could be a major talking point in the coming days.
Kerala Blasters vs East Bengal: A Night of What-Ifs
The red cards undoubtedly played a significant role in the outcome, but Kerala Blasters will be left to rue their missed opportunities. The substitution of their top scorer, coupled with moments of indiscipline, ultimately cost them valuable points. East Bengal, on the other hand, deserve immense credit for their fighting spirit and clinical finishing. This dramatic win could be the catalyst that propels them towards a playoff berth in the Hero ISL 2023-24.
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