ISL: Chhetri's hat-trick sinks Kerala Blasters in Southern Derby- Talking Points

Sunil Chhetri's record-breaking hattrick sinks Kerala Blasters in the Southern Derby, as Bengaluru FC secure a commanding 4-2 win over their rivals at the Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday.

At 40 years and 126 days, Chhetri became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in ISL history, surpassing Bartholomew Ogbeche's record in the process.

Bengaluru were at their efficient best against KBFC, scoring from four of their five shots on target despite having just 36.4% possession.

With this win, BFC moves back to the top of the ISL points table, with 23 points in 11 games. Kerala Blasters, on the other hand, are in 10th spot, with just 11 points from 11 games.

#5: Early dominance from Bengaluru FC and Chhetri's heroics

It was Sunil Chhetri's night all along, as the man stood tall when the light shone the brightest in the Southern Derby.

Chhetri scored the first goal in the 8th minute with a strong header, giving Bengaluru the lead.

30 minutes later, Ryan Williams made it 2-0 in the 38th minute with a curling left-footed shot and Bengaluru went into halftime sitting comfortably at 2-0.

#4: Kerala’s Second-Half Comeback

Not to be outdone by, KBFC mounted a comeback in the second half with a spirited performance in the second half.

Jesus Jimenez reduced the gap with a creative backheel finish in the 57th minute and Freddy equalized in the 67th minute, silencing the Bengaluru crowd and leveling the score at 2-2.

But, the game was not done yet. Chhetri will have his final laugh.

#3: Chhetri's hattrick seals win over KBFC

At 2-2, KBFC looked the stronger of the two, thanks to the momentum of scoring the equalizer but BFC's captain was having none of it.

Chhetri gave Bengaluru the lead again in the 73rd minute with a close-range goal, set up by Jorge Pereyra Diaz.

Chhetri then completed his hat-trick in added time by taking advantage of a mistake in defense, beating the offside trap, and scoring past the goalkeeper, and became the oldest player in the ISL to score a hattrick.

He has still got it!

#2: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s Key Saves

Bengaluru's goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu played a key role by making important saves to stop Kerala Blasters' chances.

He made a double save against Jimenez and stopped several long-range shots, helping Bengaluru maintain their lead.

While he has had his fair share of sloppy moments, this season, the Indian goalkeeper has been in solid form and in the big game has shown it once again why he is India's first choice keeper.

#1: What next for both teams?

Kerala Blasters are on the road again and will face Mohun Bagan on 14th December in their next ISL outing.

Bengaluru FC, on the other hand, will remain at home, and will play hosts to FC Goa on 14th December.