Kerala Blasters vs East Bengal FC: ISL 2024-25 Match Report and Lineups : – The highly anticipated Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 fixture between Kerala Blasters FC and East Bengal FC is currently underway at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Both teams are looking to secure their first points of the season after disappointing losses in their opening matches. The stakes are high as both Kerala Blasters and East Bengal aim to turn their fortunes around.
Build-Up to the Match
Kerala Blasters, known for their passionate fan base, were left heartbroken after a narrow defeat against Punjab in their first game. The loss put pressure on Mikael Stahre’s squad, and they will be eager to impress their home crowd with a strong performance tonight. East Bengal, under the management of Carles Cuadrat, are also coming into the game after a frustrating defeat to Bengaluru FC, where they struggled to create clear chances. Both teams are looking for a win to gain momentum early in the season.
Lineups
Kerala Blasters Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Sachin Suresh
Defenders: Sandeep Singh, Pritam Kotal, Milos Drincic, Aibanbha Dohling
Midfielders: Vibin Mohanan, Alexandre Coeff, Mohammed Aimen, Rahul KP
Forwards: Jesus Jimenez, Noah Sadaoui
Kerala Blasters’ manager Mikael Stahre has opted for a blend of experience and youth, with Vibin Mohanan controlling the midfield. The team has placed faith in Jesus Jimenez to spearhead the attack, with support from the ever-energetic Noah Sadaoui and Rahul KP on the wings.
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East Bengal FC Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Prabhsukhan Singh Gill
Defenders: Anwar Ali, Hijazi Maher, Mark Zothanpuia, Mohamed Rakip
Midfielders: Jeakson Singh, Saul Crespo, Madih Talal, Mahesh Singh
Forwards: Nandhakumar Sekar, Dimitrios Diamantakos
East Bengal’s coach Carles Cuadrat is relying on new signings like Anwar Ali and Dimitrios Diamantakos to add strength to the squad. The midfield will be led by Saul Crespo, who will look to control the tempo, while Jeakson Singh will be key in breaking down Kerala Blasters’ attacks.
First-Half Recap
As of halftime, the match remains evenly poised at 0-0, with neither team managing to break the deadlock. Kerala Blasters have had the upper hand in terms of possession, but they are struggling to penetrate East Bengal’s defense. Vibin Mohanan has been impressive in midfield, dictating the play and distributing well to his forwards. However, the Blasters have not yet created any clear-cut chances.
East Bengal have looked solid defensively, with Anwar Ali making his presence felt at the back. Dimitrios Diamantakos, who returned to Kochi for the first time since leaving Kerala Blasters, has been lively, but his impact has been limited as Kerala’s defense, led by Pritam Kotal, has kept him at bay. The game has been evenly contested, with both teams being cautious in their approach.
Key Players to Watch
- Jesus Jimenez (Kerala Blasters): After a promising debut as a substitute in the previous game, Jimenez was given a starting role today. His link-up play with Noah Sadaoui and Rahul KP will be crucial for Kerala Blasters’ attacking moves. He will need to time his runs perfectly and convert any chances that come his way.
- Dimitrios Diamantakos (East Bengal): The Greek forward will be motivated to prove himself against his former club. Having had a quiet ISL debut for East Bengal, Diamantakos will be aiming to get on the scoresheet tonight and help his team pick up their first win of the season.
- Vibin Mohanan (Kerala Blasters): The young midfielder has been instrumental for Kerala Blasters in controlling the game from the center of the pitch. His ability to make pinpoint passes and initiate attacks will be critical for Kerala’s chances of securing a win.
Where to Watch the Match
Fans can catch the live action on Sports18 Network, with the game also available for live streaming on the Jio Cinema app and website. The match promises to be an exciting contest as both teams push for a vital three points early in the ISL season.
Current ISL Standings
Both Kerala Blasters and East Bengal are at the bottom of the table, having lost their opening matches. A win for either side would provide a significant boost as they seek to climb the standings and kickstart their season.
Final Thoughts
The Kerala Blasters vs East Bengal match is shaping up to be a tense affair, with both teams evenly matched so far. The introduction of players like Vibin Mohanan and Dimitrios Diamantakos adds extra excitement to the contest. Both teams will need to raise their attacking game in the second half if they are to secure a win.
As the second half approaches, it remains to be seen which side will seize the initiative and claim victory. Kerala Blasters will look to their home advantage and the support of their passionate fans, while East Bengal will hope for a clinical performance from their forwards, especially Dimitrios Diamantakos, who will be keen to make his mark.
Stay tuned as we bring you more updates from this thrilling ISL encounter!