Indian Super League 2024-25 is about to witness the 18th encounter between Kerala Blasters FC and Bengaluru FC, known as the 'Southern Derby' tonight at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Though Bengaluru FC came victorious in most of these fixtures, Kerala Blasters FC will always try their best to cause havoc. It is never a cakewalk for any team in a Derby match. 

Kerala Blasters, the team hailing from the western part of South India, will host Bengaluru FC, the team from central South India in this special rivalry tonight in Kochi. So, this match is expected to write another memorable chapter between these two teams. 

Ahead of tonight's match, Sportzpoint has selected the 5 best face-offs between Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters across all competitions. 

ISL 2018-19 | Bengaluru FC 2-2 Kerala Blasters 

Bengaluru FC hosted Kerala Blasters at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru for the league game in the ISL 2018-19 on 6 February 2019. 

Kean Lewis conceded an early penalty on behalf of Bengaluru and Slavisa Stojanovic delivered the spot-kick past Gurpreet and gave Kerala the lead in the 16th minute. The hosts got into more trouble before the half-time whistle as Courage Pekuson doubled up the lead for the Blasters. Kerala Blasters headed to the second half with a 2-0 lead over Bengaluru. 

However, things did not go as planned for Kerala as Bengaluru started attacking with more intensity and that resulted in a goal in the 69th minute. Udanta Singh headed the ball into the net to pull one back for Bengaluru. After many wasted scoring opportunities for both teams, Bengaluru FC finally completed their comeback as captain Sunil Chhetri scored the equalizer in the 85th minute. 

ISL 2020-21 | Bengaluru 4-2 Kerala Blasters

This league match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on 13 December 2020 was the first face-off between these two teams in the 2020-21 season. 

It was Kerala who opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Rahul KP sent the ball inside from a solo run by Gary Hooper in a counter-attack. Cleiton Silva equalized for Bengaluru from a defensive error by Kerala in the 29th minute. Both teams were level at half-time.

Only 3 minutes into the second half, captain Sunil Chhetri's penalty kick was saved by Albino Gomes. However, it did not make much difference as The Blues scored two goals in 4 minutes. Erik Paartalu scored in the 51st minute to give Bengaluru the coveted lead. Following that, Dimas Delgado scored in the 53rd minute to give Bengaluru a 2-goal lead over Kerala.

Jordan Murray pulled one back for Kerala in the 61st minute and created pressure on Bengaluru. But in the 65 minute, Sunil Chhetri redeemed himself after the penalty miss by scoring Bengaluru's fourth of the game. 

ISL 2020-21 | Kerala Blasters 2-1 Bengaluru 

On 20 January 2021 at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim, Kerala Blasters took revenge for their defeat at Fatorda in the ISL 2020-21.

Both teams had a firey start right from the first minute of the game but Bengaluru's Cleiton Silva drew the first blood in the 23rd minute from a great half-volley. Kerala did not hold back as they continued to attack but all remained unfruitful and they headed to the break trailing by 0-1. 

However, after a series of attacks and counter-attacks, Khawlhring gave Blasters the equalizer in the 73rd minute. This goal gave Kerala a lifeline and they kept on attacking. Everything paid off for Kerala in the 4th minute of the stoppage time when Rahul KP slotted the ball inside from a nearly-unexpected counter-attack and Kerala won the game by 2-1. 

ISL 2022-23 Play-off | Bengaluru 1-0 Kerala Blasters

This is the match that created the most controversy in a BFC vs KBFC encounter. 4th-placed Bengaluru FC met 5th-placed Kerala Blasters FC in the one-off play-off in the 2022-23 ISL on March 3, 2023, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. 

The 90 minutes of the game remained goalless as the two teams headed into the Added Extra Time of play in search of a final result. However, in the 5th minute of the added extra time, Blasters defender Vibin Mohanan fouled Sunil Chhetri just outside the penalty box, resulting in a free-kick for Bengaluru. Sunil Chhetri took the free-kick quickly when the Blasters players were forming the wall. The ball found its way into an unguarded net.

The referee allowed the goal because he was aware that Chhetri was about to take the shot and had signaled for the play to continue. In response, the Blasters players unexpectedly protested by leaving the pitch midway through the game.

Kerala coach Ivan Vukomanovic was also seen calling off his players as a form of protest. Later, The Blasters also lodged an official complaint against the referee of the match, Crystal John. However, The win was awarded to Bengaluru and they entered the semi-final of the 2022-23 ISL.

Durand Cup 2024 | Bengaluru 1-0 Kerala Blasters

The latest encounter between Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters happened in the Durand Cup 2024 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on 23 August 2024. It was another thrilling encounter between these two teams as Bengaluru emerged victorious to progress to the semi-finals of the prestigious tournament. 

Kerala Blasters' keeper Som Kumar was taken off early in the 4th minute due to an injury. Both teams had many close chances but none could break the dead-lock. The half-time score was 0-0 and the teams headed into the second half. Both the teams kept pushing but the 90 minutes could not separate the two sides. But in the very last second of 4 minutes of the injury time, Bengaluru's forward Jorge Pereyra Diaz slotted the ball into Kerala's net to surprisingly snatch the match from them. 

East Bengal is one of Asia's biggest and most supported football clubs. In October 2020, the club was voted as the most popular football club in India on an AFC poll by its supporters.

The East Bengal Club was established on 1st August 1920 by Suresh Chandra Chaudhury along with some other dignitaries, and the club's first captain was Ramesh Chandra Sen.

The Kolkata-based club has created a lot of records and won so many trophies. The Football club was going through a tough phase as they hadn't won a major trophy since the 2013-14 season.

But, under the new Manager and coaching staff, the Red & Gold Brigade are playing good football. So, let's look at the trophies East Bengal has won in its footballing history.

East Bengal FC Trophies List

East Bengal played their first match in the 1920 Hercules Cup, which was a 7-a-side tournament that they won. They won their first-ever full tournament in 1921 and lifted the Khogendra Shield.

The Red and Gold brigade qualified for the Calcutta Football League 1st division in 1925. They won their first 1st title in 1942. Then the Kolkata-based club lifted their first IFA Shield in 1943. In 1945, East Bengal won their first double, claiming both the Calcutta Football League and the IFA Shield.

From 1949-51, East Bengal became the first team to make a hat-trick of wins in the IFA Shield. In 1972, East Bengal won the Calcutta Football League, IFA Shield, Durand Cup, and Rovers Cup in a single season, becoming the first team to do so.

In 1972, East Bengal also made a record of being the first and till date, only Indian team to win the Calcutta Football League without conceding a single goal, which they again repeated in 1991.

East Bengal won its first First Division league title in 1942 and has since won it a record 39 times. They have also won eight Federation Cups, three Super Cups, a record 29 IFA Shields, the Kuladakanta Shield, and MLA CUP, alongside 16 Durand Cup titles, making the club one of the most decorated in Indian football.

Former Indian national football team captain Sunil Chhetri has expressed deep concern over the suspension of the Indian Super League and the future of India's footballing ecosystem.

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“The current situation that Indian football finds itself in, is very concerning. I’ve received a flurry of texts from players, staff members, physios, masseurs - not just from my club, but from other clubs as well,” Chhetri wrote on his social media handle X (formerly Twitter).

When my phone went off a few weeks ago informing us of a delay in pre-season by a fortnight, I must admit it made me smile. And that’s because I was on vacation, hadn’t moved as much as I would have liked to, and hadn’t been eating as clean as I usually do. I had more time than I… pic.twitter.com/pEGyr8Sp5O

— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) July 16, 2025

Worried about the future - Chhetri 

Chhetri, who plays for Bengaluru FC in the ISL, wrote on social media, “I’ve received a flurry of texts from players, staff members, physios, masseurs – not just from my club, but from other clubs as well.

“Everybody in the Indian football ecosystem is worried, hurt, scared about the uncertainty we are faced with,” he added.

There is no new agreement between AIFF and FSDL

The 2025-26 season of the ISL has been put 'on hold' as the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and organising company Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) has not been renewed yet.

The Supreme Court has directed the AIFF not to enter into any new agreement with FSDL until a final decision is taken on the AIFF.

A 15-year agreement was signed in 2010

A 15-year agreement between FSDL and AIFF was signed in 2010, under which FSDL pays Rs 50 crore every year to AIFF in return for the rights to broadcast, manage and promote Indian football (including ISL and the national team).

Please stay calm - Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri appealed to all the players and support staff to maintain patience and support each other. He expressed confidence that football will resume soon. The AIFF has also said that it understands the importance of ISL, but it is compelled to follow the court's order.

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“I may not have all the answers, but my message to all those involved with Indian football – and more importantly the ones whose livelihood depends on it, the players, staff, kitmen, masseurs, medical teams, production crews, operations staff – please stay calm.”

“We’ll ride this storm together. Stick together and look out for each other. Keep training and getting better. Football has to resume soon. It will,” Sunil Chhetri shared.

The Indian Super League (ISL) has consistently served as a launch pad for India’s most promising football talent. The ISL 2024-25 season was no different, with young stars lighting up the league and charting the future course of Indian football.

Here are top 5 Indian players to watch in ISL 2025.

Also Read: Highest scoring footballers of the 21st century

Indian Players to Watch in ISL 2025

1. Dippendu Biswas | Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Dippendu Biswas, 21, made 14 appearances in a star-studded MBSG line-up and carved an impact with his defensive contributions, comprising 14 interceptions and victorious tackles each, 42 duels won and 39 recoveries.

He also occasionally delivered upfront; producing a goal and two assists and was named the ISL Emerging Player of the Month for February 2025.

2. Vinith Venkatesh | Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC has a track record of producing young talent for the nation. With Gerard Zaragoza in the managerial position, one of the players who made his mark this season is Vinith Venkatesh.

The 19-year-old impressed many with his dribbling and passing ability. A passing accuracy of 80per cent alongside 191 successful passes and 9 successful dribbles in only 602 minutes makes him a great prospect for the Blues’ future. Vinith has not only got a solitary goal and two assists to his name this ISL season but has also scored twice against Mohammedan SC and once against Mohun Bagan in the Durand Cup.

3. Brison Fernandes | FC Goa

Another player that has been a break-out talent this year is Brison Fernandes. From Goa’s under 18 team to being an out right starter, it has been quite a rise for Brison.

Brison has managed to impress with his dribbling and shooting capability scoring seven goals and assisting twice. The 23-year-old created 27 chances for the Gaurs and provided 25 key passes into the final third. With his direct play, the left-winger emerged as one of the most exciting young Indian players to watch this season.

4. Tekcham Abhishek Singh | Punjab FC

In only his second ISL campaign, defender Tekcham Abhishek Singh impressed with returns that saw him become the player with the third-most interceptions (47).

The 20-year-old won seven aerial duels, 17 tackles, 23 clearances, in addition to making 70 recoveries, while forming an impeccable partnership with Nikhil Prabhu, who made the most interceptions in the league in the season gone by (56).

Also Read: Top scorers in ISL history

5. Macarton Louis Nickson | NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United made it to the play-offs after three years, while most of the credits go to its foreign players like Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Nestor Albiach, a player that went under the radar is young midfielder Macarton Nickson.

With 21 appearances and a passing accuracy of 73 per cent, he has really shone under Juan Pedro Benali this season. The 21-year-old has established himself as a box to box midfielder providing both in defence and attack. 

Defensively, Macarton has 97 recoveries and 13 interceptions. In attack as well, he has been able to support by providing 2two goals, one assists and 22 successful dribbles making him a beautiful player to watch.

The Indian Super League has completed 11 seasons, which have given us sensational moments to cherish in Indian football. We have witnessed some thrilling matches, and in this highly competitive tournament, players around the globe joined hands to bring the best out of this sport.

Get ready to find out the top scorers in ISL history, with Sunil Chhetri single-handedly dominating the charts with 75 goals.

1. Sunil Chhetri (75 goals)

• Goals: 75
• Appearances: 183 (2015-2025)
• Nationality: Indian 🇮🇳
• Teams played for in ISL: Mumbai City FC, Bengaluru FC

The undisputed king of ISL goal scoring, Sunil Chhetri, is the top scorer with 75 goals in the tournament's history. He is the only Indian footballer in the list who is not only in the top 5, but also holds the first place.

Chhetri has consistently been one of the best performers and a multiple-time ISL Golden Boot contender. He is also the oldest player to score an ISL hat-trick, at the age of 40 years and 126 days in 2024 for his current team, Bengaluru FC.

Read Also: Sunil Chhetri Special Moments in Indian Football

2. Bartholomew Ogbeche (63 goals)

• Goals: 65
• Appearances: 98 (2018-2025)
• Nationality: Nigerian 🇳🇬
• Teams played for in ISL: NorthEast United, Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City FC, Hyderabad FC.

Bartholomew Ogbeche, known for his adaptability and lethal finishing, has scored 65 goals in the ISL. He found success across multiple clubs and has been a key part of Hyderabad FC's championship-winning side.

Ogbeche won the Golden Boot in the 2021-22 season and holds the record for most hat-tricks in ISL history, scoring 4 hat-tricks in his career.

3. Roy Krishna (58 goals)

• Goals: 58
• Appearances: 116 (2020-2025)
• Nationality: Fijian 🇫🇯
• Teams played for in ISL: ATK Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC, Odisha FC

Roy Krishna made his ISL debut in 2020 and climbed to the Top 3 in a very short period of time. His contributions with goals as well as assists become a vital part of every team he plays for, especially his current club, Odisha FC.

Krishna is a constant threat in the tournament, known for his ability to score from various positions. He holds the record for most goals scored by an individual against a single club in ISL (10 goals against Jamshedpur FC).

Read Also: Football teams with the most international trophies.

4. Ferran Corominas (48 goals)

• Goals: 48
• Appearances: 57 (2017-2020)
• Nationality: Spanish 🇪🇸
• Teams played for in ISL: FC Goa

The fiery Spanish striker, Ferran Corominas, holds the fourth place, having scored 48 goals in only 57 appearances. He showcased his immediate impact by scoring hat-tricks in his third and fourth ISL matches for FC Goa.

Coro has won the most ISL Golden Boot awards (2 times), in consecutive years (2017-18 with 18 goals and 2018-19 with 16 goals). He is one of the incredible footballers in the tournament who set the standard for foreign strikers.

5. Diego Mauricio (47 goals)

• Goals: 47
• Appearances: 92 (2020-2025)
• Nationality: Brazilian 🇧🇷
• Teams played for in ISL: Mumbai City FC, Odisha FC

Diego Mauricio has been a powerful striker for Odisha FC since his debut season in 2020. He scored 47 goals in his ISL career so far and made his mark brilliantly.

He won the Golden Boot in the 2022-23 season with 12 goals, also helping them qualify for the playoffs for the first time. Diego was a key player in Odisha FC's Kalinga Super Cup triumph in 2023, which is their first-ever major title.

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6. Lallianzuala Chhangte (45 goals)

• Goals: 45
• Appearances: 163 (2017-2025)
• Nationality: Indian 🇮🇳
• Teams played for in ISL: Delhi Dynamos FC, Chennaiyin FC, Mumbai City FC

Lallianzuala Chhangte is the only Indian footballer, after Chhetri, to cross the 40-goal mark in ISL history. Known for his speed and dribbling skills, he scored 45 goals, spanning from 2017 to 2025.

Chhangte has consistently improved during his ISL career, playing for clubs like Mumbai City FC and achieving a swift pace in his goal-scoring technique.

7. Cleiton Silva (36 goals)

• Goals: 36
• Appearances: 95 (2020-2025)
• Nationality: Brazilian 🇧🇷
• Teams played for in ISL: Bengaluru FC, East Bengal FC

The Brazilian forward, Cleiton Silva, is known as a reliable goal scorer and calm finisher. He has performed well for both Bengaluru FC and East Bengal FC, often keeping the limelight.

He has scored 36 goals throughout his ISL career, which places him in the 7th position here.

Read Also: Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history?

8. Marcelinho (34 goals)

• Goals: 34 goals
• Appearances: 87 (2016-2022)
• Nationality: Brazilian 🇧🇷
• Teams played for in ISL: Delhi Dynamos FC, FC Pune City, Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC, ATK Mohun Bagan, NorthEast United. FC

Marcelinho is one of the early stars of this tournament, who played his last ISL season for NorthEast United FC in 2021-22. He scored 34 goals in his tenure and also won the Golden Boot in 2016 with Delhi Dynamos FC, scoring 10 goals in that season.

He is known for his powerful shots and ability to create scoring chances.

9. Hugo Boumous (34 goals)

• Goals: 34
• Appearances: 122 (2017-2025)
• Nationality: French 🇫🇷
• Teams played for in ISL: FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, ATK Mohun Bagan, Odisha F.C.

Hugo Boumous stands out as the only midfielder in this list, having scored 34 goals in his ISL career. He has been a key player for multiple teams and is known for his creativity, scoring, and assisting.

Boumous is among the top players for all-time ISL goal contributions (goals + assists).

Read Also:  ISL Winners List since 2014

10. Jorge Pereyra Diaz (31 goals)

• Goals: 31
• Appearances: 72 (2021-2025)
• Nationality: Argentine 🇦🇷
• Teams played for in ISL: Kerala Blasters FC, Mumbai City FC, Bengaluru FC

Jorge Pereyra Diaz is a hard-working forward who debuted for Kerala Blasters FC in 2021. He mainly contributes with goals and link-up play. He scored 31 goals in his 72 ISL appearances.

Diaz was a key figure in Mumbai City FC's League Shield triumph in 2023 and ISL Cup win in 2023-24.

On a vibrant Saturday evening, April 26, 2025, Mohun Bagan SG’s youthful squad clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 quarter-finals, securing their spot in the semi-finals.

The Mariners, boasting an all-Indian lineup save for Portuguese defender Nuno Reis, showcased their attacking flair with goals from Sahal Abdul Samad in the 22nd minute and Suhail Ahmad Bhat in the 51st. Despite a late strike from Kerala Blasters’ Sreekuttan MS in the 94th minute, Mohun Bagan SG held firm, thanks to a stellar performance by goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem. Bastab Roy’s team now awaits the winner of the FC Goa vs. Punjab FC clash in the semi-final on April 30.

The match kicked off cautiously, with both sides probing without overcommitting. For the first 20 minutes, neither team managed to create clear chances. Then, Mohun Bagan SG sparked the game to life with a moment of brilliance.

Salahudheen Adnan dazzled down the right, weaving past Naocha Singh before delivering a pinpoint cross into the box. Sahal Abdul Samad, with a deft shoulder drop, shook off Ruivah Hormipam and delicately lifted the ball over goalkeeper Sachin Suresh to break the deadlock.

The goal jolted Kerala Blasters into action, and they pushed hard for an equaliser. Noah Sadaoui, fresh off a spectacular long-range goal against East Bengal, tried his luck from distance but sent the ball straight to Dheeraj Singh.

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The Blasters grew threatening from set pieces, particularly short corners. In the 30th minute, Sadaoui’s low cross after a quick one-two with Vibin Mohanan was cleared by Dippendu Biswas. Moments later, Hormipam’s looping cross nearly sneaked into the top corner, only for Dheeraj to tip it over.

Just before halftime, Mohammed Aimen cut in from the left and unleashed a curling shot that sailed narrowly over the bar, leaving the Blasters frustrated.

The second half began with Mohun Bagan SG striking early. In the 47th minute, Sachin Suresh pulled off a stunning save to deny Salahudheen in a one-on-one, but the warning went unheeded. Four minutes later, Ashique Kuruniyan tore down the left, breezed past Hormipam, and rolled a precise pass to Suhail Ahmad Bhat, who calmly slotted it home to double the lead.

From there, the game became the Dheeraj Singh show. Kerala Blasters threw everything forward, but the Mohun Bagan goalkeeper stood tall. Jesús Jiménez squandered two golden opportunities, blasting over the bar in the 65th minute and dragging a shot wide two minutes later. In the 70th minute, Dheeraj denied substitute Kwame Peprah’s angled effort, and with five minutes left, Peprah’s low cross found Jiménez, who couldn’t connect cleanly.

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Dheeraj’s heroics continued as he thwarted Peprah from point-blank range, with Amandeep clearing Ebindas Y’s follow-up off the line. The Blasters finally broke through in stoppage time when Jiménez set up Sreekuttan, who rifled a shot past Dheeraj. But the goal came too late to spark a comeback.

Salahudheen Adnan earned the Kalinga Player of the Match award for his electrifying performance.