East Bengal FC returned to winning form with a 2-1 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League 2024-25 season. The match was held at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. This was their first win in five games, as their last victory came against Jamshedpur FC on December 21. As a result, East Bengal ended their three-game losing streak.

Blasters Dominate Early Possession

Initially, Kerala Blasters controlled possession. However, East Bengal focused on counter-attacks, waiting for their chance. The Blasters relied heavily on Noah Sadaoui on the right, but East Bengal’s defense held strong. In the 15th minute, Naorem Mahesh Singh set up Dimitrios Diamantakos, but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Sachin Suresh. Moreover, Sachin struggled with a free-kick from Cleiton Silva, but Richard Celis couldn’t take advantage of the rebound. As the game progressed, East Bengal started gaining momentum.

East Bengal Takes the Lead

In the 20th minute, Cleiton Silva made a perfect pass to Vishnu. The young forward raced past his marker, chipped the ball over the goalkeeper, and it trickled into the net, giving East Bengal a 1-0 lead. Following the goal, East Bengal continued to push forward. Diamantakos passed to Cleiton in the box, but Sachin made an impressive save. Shortly after, Celis fired a long-range shot that struck the post. This was the first time in nine games that East Bengal led at halftime.

Blasters Push in the Second Half

In the second half, Kerala Blasters came out with renewed intent. Noah orchestrated most of their attacks, and in the 58th minute, Kwame Peprah was substituted in to add more attacking power. Noah nearly equalized when he broke through East Bengal’s defense, but Lalchungnunga blocked his shot.

East Bengal Extends Lead

Then, in the 72nd minute, East Bengal scored again. Hijazi Maher rose above the defenders to meet a corner delivered by Mahesh, heading the ball home. The goal made it 2-0 and gave East Bengal a comfortable lead.

Blasters Fight Back Late

Despite being two goals down, Kerala Blasters kept pushing for a goal. In the 84th minute, substitute Danish Farooq scored with a well-placed shot after Hijazi cleared the ball. Farooq made it 2-1, giving Kerala a glimmer of hope.

East Bengal Holds Firm

In the final minutes, East Bengal nearly sealed the win when Cleiton failed to convert a close-range chance. Kerala Blasters continued to attack but couldn’t break through. East Bengal’s defense held firm, and they secured the victory.

Key Performer

Lalchungnunga was outstanding in defense, blocking key shots from Noah and Diamantakos. Additionally, he supported Jeakson Singh, who played as a makeshift right-back. Lalchungnunga made two clearances and completed 14 out of 22 passes. Looking ahead, East Bengal FC will face Mumbai City FC on January 31, while Kerala Blasters FC will play against Chennaiyin FC on January 30.