ISL 2023-24: Kerala Blasters go top of the table after defeating East Bengal 2-1

Kerala Blasters are on top of the table after a deserving victory against East Bengal at the Salt Lake Stadium. EBFC had plenty of chances but they failed to capitalize on the chances. Kerala Blasters scored the second and all-important goal in the dying minutes of the game to register the victory. The Red and Gold Brigade should are sitting 10th in the league table and still searching for their second victory of the season.

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Kerala Blasters started with keeping the possession and it looked like East Bengal would like to play on counters. But after the some time, the Red and Gold Brigade grew into the game and started making opportunities for themselves.

EBFC did make some quality chances but failed to convert time and time again. KBFC too was playing well but when it came to final third passing and runs, there seemed to be something missing. It needed to make a good attempt on goal and they finally found something in the 32nd minute.

KBFC broke on the counter, Adrian Luna played a through and found Daisuke who did a step-over and finished the ball past the keeper in the top right corner. KBFC scored their first first-half goal of the season. They came close to getting their second of the game but the goal was disallowed due to off-side. The first half ended with KBFC leading 1-0 over the home side.

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KBFC walked out at half-time ahead and head held high. EBFC on the other hand, needed to do better in front of its home fans. Both sides were creating chances but EBFC was yet to make that defining pass to set its strikers up for a goal. The home side needed to change some things in the drawing board.

East Bengal finally found a golden opportunity to make a comeback into the match. Sachin Suresh charged in to get the ball but tripped and took out Mahesh instead inside the box. Cleiton Silva took the penalty but it was saved by Sachin Suresh. However, the ref says Sachin came off the line and the penalty was retaken. Cleiton Silva took it again and was denied again by the heroics of Sachin Suresh. EBFC fans' hope started to shatter after these two beautiful saves.

Kerala Blasters' players did the rest by extending their lead. Diamantakos scored the second goal for KBFC after a strong left-foot finish. EBFC made a horrible mistake in the box and gave the ball away to the striker in front of an open goal. Diamantakos removed his shirt to celebrate but was given his second yellow card and was sent off the pitch.

EBFC were given another penalty due to a handball by Sandeep. Cleiton Silva scored from the spot this time but it was the last kick of the game and EBFC lost by one goal. It was bound to happen after missing so many opportunities in a high-profile match like this.