In the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 match, Bengaluru FC (BFC) overcame Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) by a score of 4-2, largely due to a hat-trick from Sunil Chhetri. The match played at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru was full of attack as both the teams played a thrilling match which kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
First Half: Chhetri Sets the Mood
As mentioned before, the contest started with both teams looking to gain the upper hand. The pressure was on for Alvaro Vazquez and Dimitrios Diamantakos to convert the opportunities because Kerala Blasters are dominant in the league and attacking right from the start. However, BFC were well aware which is why they are renowned for a sound and attack-minded game as it took them no time to get into their rhythm with their captain, Sunil Chhetri, and Javi Hernández running the midfield.
Something positive about Chhetri is that he has been in great form throughout the tournament and all these efforts resulted in something, he was the key player for Bengaluru from the first minute. He netted his first goal in the 17th. To get things started, he finished quite well. Chhetri was in space thanks to a nicely timed pass from Javi Hernández, and the veteran attacker did not disappoint, placing the ball into the net behind a despairing Prabhsukhan Gill to make it 1-0.
The Bengaluru fans chanted as their captain once again highlighted why he is among the best forwards in Indian soccer.
The goal seemed to bolster the morale of the Bengaluru players and allowed them to dictate the pace of the game. The attempted been being ketic of points or head well or by attackers were times hampered by defenders and cost the palms of Alan Costa and Pratik Chaudhari.
While Kerala showed some signs of magic during the game, the first team to score again is Bengaluru FC, Chhetri doubles the score in to 34th minute. Chhetri capitalizing on some disaster defending on the part of Kerala managed to grab hold of an unclaimed ball in the box. He slotted it home with Obama’s brilliance to complete the brace and put his team in front, 2-0.
However, as Bengaluru were about to stroll into the break with a reasonably comfortable two-goal cushion, Kerala struck a goal at the dying moments of the first half. All thanks to an unyielding free kick from Vincy Barretto, the ball met the precise head of Dimitrios Diamantakos (who jumped high over the defenders), and smashed the ball in the net past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, ending the quarter at 2-1.
The second half started with Chhetri scoring a hat trick and dragged in a reaction from Kerala. After forty-five minutes of play and some changes both teams were noticeable looking for an opener, Kerala now only a single goal behind the equalizer, sought for chances.
But again, Bengaluru’s back line held, and the goal scored was matched by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who made some outstanding saves to ensure that his side continued to lead.
In the 57th minute Sunil Chhetri scored his hat trick, beating three defenders in style. The forwards were well placed when their teammate, Javi Hernández, passed the ball to them. Chhetri played the ball in between the two defenders and circumvented the onrushing Gill to score, increasing Bengaluru’s score to 3-1. His efforts on the pitch were encapsulated by his outstanding finishing, especially on his third goal, which was probably the highest point of the match for him.
Despite being behind, Kerala Blasters were still determined to turn things around and continuously attack the Bengaluru goal. They were able to go close in the 70th minute when Alvaro Vazquez headed in a perfectly timed cross by Vincy Barretto, making the scoreline 3-2.
As expected, the final 20 minutes of the match went wild and chaos erupted when there was a goal in quick succession. There were numerous chances for Kibu Vicuña’s team to take the lead, but they failed to put the ball in the back of the net as Bengaluru made good defensive decisions, with the help of Alan Costa, and Gurpreet saved multiple shots.
Bengaluru sealed the match with their fourth goal in the 85th-minute, leaving no chances of conceding any.
As the counter attack kicked in, Javi Hernández did not waste any time to advance into Kerala’s half to combine with Roy Krishna, who was just shy scoring the cross or an assist. Sivasakthi Narayanan Managed to get a lunging touch and brought the scoreline to 4-2 which guarantees that the home team will take all three points back with them.
Player’s Performance:
Sunil Chhetri In a wonderful performance, single handedly took his team on his back, scoring a wonderful hat trick which was necessary for his team’s success. His accuracy, intelligence when moving off the ball and ability to lead was vital to his team’s success.
Javi Hernández was also key in creating and finding the passes necessary for his team to be successful throughout the game and keep up the pace. His ability to see the game and deliver right passes at the right times played an important role in keeping Bengaluru in attacking mode throughout the game.
It wouldn’t be fair to put all the blame on prabhsukhan gill for the loss as he had no support from his defence as they let in four goals. He made some excellent saves particularly during the first half and as a result kept his team in the game having been dominated by Bengaluru throughout the first half of the game.
Keralas attacking threat was evident with Dimitrios Diamantakos as he scored one with his head and showed great work rate and support in the attack during the course of the match.
Conclusion:
Bengaluru FCS stunning draw has shown that they have what it takes to go all the way in the tournament following their exceptional performance in the is on 2024 25 season.
Kerala Blasters, no matter how energized they were, could not fix their defensive lapses and paid for conceding easy goals. Bengaluru and Chhetri’s game level was significant in the win scoring department too.
The three points earned by Bengaluru FC places them well in the race to the top of the league, but the Kerala Blasters need to take a step back, re-evaluate their strategy and build a better defense if they want to compete for a playoff spot.
If you are interested for more: Bengaluru to victory against Kerala Blasters: BFC 4-2 KBFC Highlights, ISL 2024-25 Girona 0-3 Real Madrid: Match Summary, Score, and Goals | La Liga 2024/25