BENGALURU: Bengaluru FC defeated FC Goa 4-2 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Saturday, December 7, 2024.
A hat-trick by Sunil Chhetri inspired the Blues to clinch all three points. At 40 years and 126 days, Chhetri became the oldest hat-trick scorer in the ISL - surpassing Bartholomew Ogbeche who did it for Hyderabad FC against FC Goa as a 38 years and 96 days old in January 2023.
The duo of Chhetri and Ryan Williams were critical in helping the Blues take a 2-0 advantage in the first-half of the game.
The home side took the lead in the 8th minute as Chhetri timed his run to perfection and thundered in the assist to break the deadlock. The winners made it 2-0 in the 38th minute through Williams.
Kerala Blasters FC pulled one back in the 56th minute when Jesus Jimenez’s left- footed effort found its way into the centre of the goal to cut the deficit.
With momentum swaying in their favour, Kerala Blasters FC equalised the scores in the 67th minute through Freddy Lallawmawma.
Bengaluru FC immediately got together and their seasoned frontline took the lead in that. Six minutes later, Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Chhetri interlinked in the attacking half, as the Argentine orchestrated the goal with his accurate pass from a fast break, picking the latter on the centre of the box. Chhetri deposited the ball into the bottom left corner.
In the added time of the second half, Chinglensana Singh turned to Chhetri following a set piece scenario and the striker was perfectly positioned in the middle of the 18-yard area. His finishing finesse was visible again, as he slotted the ball into the bottom left corner to complete a treble of goals.
Kerala Blasters FC will play their next match against Mohun Bagan Super Giant on December 14. Bengaluru FC will be squaring off against FC Goa on the same day in a Saturday double-header.
Vishnu, Jeakson on target as resurgent East Bengal FC full points
CHENNAI: East Bengal FC registered their third consecutive clean sheet as they brushed aside Chennaiyin FC 2-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.
PV Vishnu and Jeakson Singh were on the scoresheet as East Bengal FC recorded their first victory away from home in the competition in this campaign.
Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC are winless in their last four games of the ongoing season, despite their incredible effort to break the visitors’ defence in this match with 22 crosses as compared to the 14 of East Bengal FC. The Red and Gold Brigade were alert in reading gameplays and breaking them, as evident by their 10 interceptions.
(Courtesy: ISL Media Team)
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