ISL 2023/24: Kerala Blasters beat Bengaluru FC in season opener- Highlights
Danish Farooq and Adrian Luna scored for Kerala Blasters. Curtis Mainn scored the consolation goal for BFC.
Kerala Blasters vs Bengaluru FC
Kerala Blasters welcomed their local rivals, Bengaluru FC, to their fortress in a high-voltage clash that marked the kickoff of the 10th season of the Indian Super League.
The question on everyone's mind was whether Kerala Blasters could exact revenge for the events that unfolded in their last playoff encounter at the Sree Kanteerava stadium.
The first half was a closely contested battle, and despite clear appeals for a penalty in favor of the hosts, the standard of refereeing continued to be a topic of discussion.
In the 51st minute, the Blasters broke the deadlock, thanks to an unfortunate own goal from Kesia Veendorp. The home crowd erupted in joy. The second goal arrived following a howler from Gurpreet, with Luna capitalizing on the opportunity in the 69th minute.
As the clock ticked down, Bengaluru FC showed their resilience, and Curtis Main managed to pull one back in the 89th minute.
The fortress had lived up to its name, and the Blasters started their season on a winning note.
As it happened:
Kerala Blasters takes all three points at home.
Kerala Blasters 2 - 1 Bengaluru FC
A poweful volley from Vibin Mohanan, Gurpreet punches it away.
What a game. Bengaluru FC pulls one back through Curtis Main.
Kerala Blasters 2 - 1 Bengaluru FC
A corner, Javi curves it into the box. After a scramble inside the box, Parag skies it.
Luna clears an attack from Ryan Williams and concede a corner. Javi takes, it's cleared away.
Into the last 10 minutes and frustration is kicking in, Luna fouls Javi. Javi takes the free kick. Ftee header but misses it.
Adrian Luna doubles the lead for Kerala Blasters. What a howler from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
Kerala Blasters 2 - 0 Bengaluru FC
Bengaluru FC came incredibly close to equalizing! From a corner kick, Sachin initially denies the shot, but the ball slips from his grasp. However, Prabir Das, with an acrobatic goal-line save, keeps Kerala Blasters in the lead!