Table Toppers Bengaluru FC met Kerala Blasters in an all Southern Derby at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. The stakes were at its peak as the Blasters were seeking revenge after they lost at home to the Blues this season. On the other hand, Zaragoza’s men were determined to be back on track after facing a defeat away to Odisha FC.
#1 Sunil Chhetri’s Record-Breaking Hat-Trick
At 40 years and 126 days, Sunil Chhetri once again etched his name into the record books by becoming the oldest player to score a hat-trick in Indian Super League (ISL) history. This remarkable achievement surpasses Bartholomew Ogbeche’s previous record set at 38 years and 96 days. Chhetri’s performance against Kerala Blasters FC exemplified his impeccable footballing instincts, positional awareness, and finishing prowess.
The first goal came in the 8th minute when he perfectly timed his run to meet a cross from Ryan Williams, showcasing his sharp anticipation. The second, in the 73rd minute, displayed his calmness under pressure as he latched onto Jorge Pereyra Diaz’s pass and slotted it home with precision. Chhetri completed his hat-trick in stoppage time, positioning himself expertly during a set-piece and delivering a clinical finish.
This performance was not just about statistics but also about leadership. Chhetri’s ability to step up in critical moments inspired Bengaluru FC, lifting the team morale and driving them toward a crucial victory. His hat-trick reiterated why he remains a cornerstone of Indian football, proving that age is no barrier when combined with fitness, determination, and skill.
#2 Ryan Williams: The Perfect Supporting Act In Bengaluru FC’s win
Ryan Williams was instrumental in Bengaluru FC’s attacking success, delivering a performance that was as impactful as it was creative. From the outset, Williams was proactive, initiating plays and making intelligent runs into the final third. His contribution was immediately felt in the 8th minute when he delivered a perfectly weighted cross for Sunil Chhetri’s opening goal. The precision of the delivery highlighted Williams’ vision and technical ability.
Later in the 38th minute, Williams took matters into his own hands, scoring a stunning goal to double Bengaluru FC’s lead. Receiving a pass from Edgar Mendez near the edge of the box, he unleashed a curling shot into the top corner. This moment of brilliance showcased not only his striking ability but also his confidence to seize opportunities when they presented themselves.
Beyond his attacking contributions, Williams was also valuable in transitional play, often dropping back to assist defensively and helping Bengaluru maintain control in midfield. His versatility as both a playmaker and scorer added a layer of unpredictability to Bengaluru FC’s attack, making it difficult for Kerala Blasters to contain him. Williams’ performance was a reminder of his importance to the team’s tactical setup and his ability to influence games in multiple ways.
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#3 Kerala Blasters FC’s Second-Half Resurgence Falls Short
Kerala Blasters FC exhibited commendable resilience in the second half, fighting back from a two-goal deficit to level the scores at 2-2. Their resurgence was spearheaded by Jesus Jimenez and Freddy Lallawmawma, whose goals came in quick succession during the second period. Jimenez’s left-footed strike in the 56th minute, following a well-placed assist from Noah Sadaoui, was a turning point, sparking hope among the Blasters’ faithful.
The equalizer in the 67th minute came from Lallawmawma, who displayed his aerial prowess to head in Adrian Luna’s pinpoint cross off a corner. This goal epitomized Kerala’s ability to capitalize on set-pieces and their determination to fight back against the odds. At this point, momentum seemed to have shifted in their favor, with Kerala pushing Bengaluru FC onto the defensive.
However, defensive lapses ultimately proved costly for Kerala Blasters. Their inability to neutralize Bengaluru’s counterattacks allowed the home side to regain control. Chhetri’s experience came to the fore again as he found the net twice more in the latter stages of the match, punishing Kerala’s disorganized backline.
While their second-half performance showcased the team’s attacking potential and fighting spirit, it also highlighted critical weaknesses in their defensive structure. If Kerala Blasters are to succeed against stronger opponents, they will need to address these vulnerabilities and maintain consistency across both halves of the game.
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