ISL: Kerala Blasters concedes 1-3 defeat against Bengaluru FC

KOCHI: Kerala Blasters suffered a defeat at their home ground despite a good performance against arch-rivals Bengaluru FC. Edgar Mendoza's double and former Blasters player Jorge Pereyra Díaz's goal secured a 3-1 win for BFC. Although Blasters played impressively throughout the match with swift moves, they failed to capitalize on opportunities, ultimately leading to their defeat.

Bengaluru took the lead in the 8th minute of the match. Jorge Pereyra Díaz capitalized on Pritam Kotal's defensive mistake, snatching the ball and chipping it over goalkeeper Som Kumar's head into the net. Although Kerala Blasters conceded a goal, they continuously attacked the BFC goal, unleashing relentless pressure in an attempt to equalize. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's exceptional saves and misfortune combined with Kerala Blasters' finishing struggles proved to be a major obstacle for the Blasters.

In the injury time of the first half, Rahul Bheke fouled Kwame Peprah inside the box, prompting the referee to point to the penalty spot. Jesus Jimenez scored the goal for Blasters, levelling the score to 1-1 at halftime. Kerala Blasters created numerous scoring opportunities in the first half. They continued to intensify their attack in the second half.

In the 74th minute, 19-year-old goalkeeper Som Kumar's mistake allowed Bengaluru to regain the lead. Unable to handle a free kick, the ball fell directly to Edgar Mendoza inside the box. Mendoza capitalized on the error with a swift shot, putting Bengaluru ahead 2-1. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Edgar Mendoza capitalized on a long pass, scoring his second goal and securing a 3-1 victory for Bengaluru FC, dashing Kerala Blasters' hopes of a comeback.