East Bengal 2-1 Kerala Blasters: Torch Bearers Edge Past Blasters in ISL 2024-25
East Bengal FC secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League 2024-25 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Friday. Goals from PV Vishnu and Hijazi Maher proved decisive, while Danish Farooq scored for the visitors.
The match began with Kerala Blasters dominating possession, with Noah Sadaoui and Adrian Luna creating early opportunities on the left flank. However, East Bengal registered the first shot on target in the 15th minute through Dimitrios Diamantakos.
The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute when PV Vishnu, receiving a long pass from Cleiton Silva, raced past the defense and delicately chipped the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper. Cleiton Silva himself had a chance to double the lead soon after, but his effort went just wide.
Richard Celis came close to extending East Bengal’s lead with a powerful long-range shot that rattled the upright. Kerala Blasters also had their chances, with Jesus Jimenez narrowly missing the target with a header before halftime.
The second half saw a more evenly contested affair. Kerala Blasters introduced Kwame Peprah to bolster their attack, while a brief melee erupted in the 70th minute involving Celis and Luna, resulting in yellow cards for both players.
In the 84th minute, Kerala Blasters pulled one back. Hijazi’s header fell to Danish Farooq, who fired home from the edge of the box.
Despite late pressure from Kerala Blasters, including a missed opportunity from Cleiton Silva in stoppage time, East Bengal held on to secure a vital three points.
