The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023 season got off to an exhilarating start as Kerala Blasters FC triumphed over arch-rivals Bengaluru FC with a scoreline of 2-1 in a high-octane encounter at Kochi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday, September 21. Seeking redemption after a contentious defeat in the South India derby last season, Kerala Blasters displayed their mettle and determination to claim a crucial three points.
The opening goal for Kerala Blasters arrived courtesy of Dutch midfielder Keziah Veendorp, who inadvertently found the back of the net with an own goal early in the second half. This stroke of fortune provided Kerala with the breakthrough they needed and sent the home crowd into raptures.
However, the true spectacle of the match was reserved for Kerala's star attacking midfielder and team captain, Adrian Luna. In a moment of brilliance, Luna embarked on a solo run that left the Bengaluru defense in disarray. With precision and finesse, he slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to extend Kerala's lead to 2-0. The stadium erupted in celebration as Luna showcased his exceptional skill and leadership.
Despite Kerala's lead, Bengaluru FC displayed their prowess throughout the game, maintaining superiority in terms of possession and passing accuracy. Their determination bore fruit in the dying moments of the match when substitute Curtis Main found the back of the net in the 90th minute, injecting late drama into the contest. Bengaluru FC's late surge raised hopes of a comeback, but Kerala Blasters' resolute defense held firm during the additional seven minutes of extra time, securing a well-deserved victory.
The starting lineups for both teams featured notable names:
Kerala Blasters FC Starting Lineup: Sachin, Prabir, Pritam, Milos, Aiban, Daisuke, Jeakson, Danish, Aimen, Adrian Luna (c), Peprah
Bengaluru FC Starting Lineup: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (c), Roshan, Jovanovic, Damjanovic, Jessel, Bhutia, Rohit, Suresh, Keziah, Williams, Sivasakthi
This thrilling encounter between Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC was a testament to the competitive spirit and quality of football in the Indian Super League. The victory marked a significant moment for Kerala Blasters as they commenced their ISL 2023 campaign with a statement win, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. Football enthusiasts can eagerly anticipate more action-packed matches and unforgettable moments in the weeks to come.
