KOLKATA: East Bengal returned to winning ways with a 2-1 triumph over Kerala Blasters FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season, on Saturday, January 24, 2024.

This was the Red & Gold Brigade’s first victory in five games, having last won 1-0 against Jamshedpur FC on December 21.

A brilliant first half strike from PV Vishnu saw the hosts take the lead at half-time, before Hijazi Maher extended the advantage in the second half. Danish Farooq brought the Kerala Blasters FC back into the game with a late goal but in the end, it was only a consolation.

With this win, the Red and Golds have also snapped their three-game losing streak in the current campaign.

Oscar Bruzon’s men were rewarded in the 20th minute when Cleiton found Vishnu with an exquisite long ball on the right flank. The youngster zoomed past his marker before dinking the ball over Sachin, who came out of his lines. The ball trickled over the goal-line as Korou Singh failed to clear the danger.

In the 72nd minute, the hosts secured the goal when Hijazi rose the highest from a corner delivered by Mahesh and headed it home. He was completely unmarked and made full use of the opportunity, scoring his second goal of the current campaign.

In retaliation, the visitors threw bodies forward with the aim of atleast salvaging a point from this game. Their persistence finally paid off in the 84th minute when substitute Danish Farooq brought Kerala Blasters FC back into the game with a timely strike.

Lalchungnunga of East Bengal was adjudged the Key Performer of the Match.

East Bengal FC will lock horns with Mumbai City FC on January 31, whereas Kerala Blasters FC will face Chennaiyin FC on January 30.

(Courtesy: ISL Media Team)