Kerala Blasters vs Bengaluru FC, ISL 2023-24 Highlights

 Kerala Blasters vs Bengaluru FC, ISL 2023-24 Highlights 

Introduction: ISL 2023-24 season kicks off with a goalless draw between Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC -:

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season kicked off with a thrilling encounter between Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Thursday. The match ended in a goalless draw, but it was not short of drama and excitement. Both teams had their chances to score, but were denied by the woodwork, the goalkeepers, or their own wastefulness. The match also saw some heated moments, as the rivalry between the two clubs continued from the previous season.

First half: A cagey affair with few chances for both teams -:

The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams trying to assert their dominance in midfield. Kerala Blasters had more possession, but Bengaluru FC looked more threatening on the counter-attack. The visitors had the first clear chance of the game in the 17th minute, when Leon Augustine found himself in a one-on-one situation with Kerala goalkeeper Albino Gomes. However, the young winger’s shot was too weak and straight at the keeper, who made a comfortable save. Kerala Blasters responded with a chance of their own in the 25th minute, when Sahal Abdul Samad unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, but it was tipped over the bar by Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Second half: More action and drama, but no goals -:

The second half saw more action and drama, as both teams increased their intensity and urgency. Kerala Blasters came close to breaking the deadlock in the 52nd minute, when Gary Hooper’s header from a corner hit the post and bounced back into play. Bengaluru FC also hit the woodwork in the 65th minute, when Cleiton Silva’s free-kick from the edge of the box rattled the crossbar and went out. The match turned more physical and tense, as both teams picked up yellow cards for fouls and dissent. The most controversial moment of the game came in the 77th minute, when Kerala Blasters were awarded a penalty after Bengaluru defender Pratik Chaudhari was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box. However, the decision was overturned by the referee after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), much to the dismay of the home fans and players.

The final minutes of the game saw both teams pushing for a winner, but neither could find the back of the net. Kerala Blasters had a golden opportunity in the 89th minute, when Hooper was played through by Sahal, but the Australian striker’s shot was saved by Gurpreet, who made a brilliant reflex save with his feet. Bengaluru FC also had a chance in the injury time, when substitute Udanta Singh crossed the ball for Sunil Chhetri, who was making his return from the Asian Games, but the captain’s header was off target.

Conclusion: Both teams share the spoils and remain level on points at the top of the table -:

The match ended in a stalemate, with both teams sharing the spoils. Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC are now level on points at the top of the ISL table, with one point each. The two teams will face each other again in the reverse fixture on December 10, 2023, at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. The fans can expect another exciting and intense clash between the two rivals, who have a history of animosity and controversy123