In a pulsating Indian Super League clash at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kerala Blasters edged out Odisha FC 2-1 with a dramatic injury-time winner, sending the home fans into absolute frenzy.
Victor Bertomeu drew first blood in the 13th minute, but Rahim Ali equalised for Odisha shortly after. The match seemed destined for a draw until substitute Matias Hernandez broke hearts at the death.
The Blasters showed tremendous fighting spirit and character, particularly in the final ten minutes, digging deep and finding that killer instinct right when Odisha thought they had held on for a point.
Starting Line-Ups
The starting eleven of both teams is as follows.
Kerala Blasters FC (3-5-2)
GK: A.A. Shaikh (#31) | DEF: Bikash Yumnam (#63), Fardin Ndiaye (#44), Muhammed Saheef (#5) | MID: Nihal Sudeesh (#17), F. Lallawmawma (#6), Vibin Mohanan (#8), Aibanbha Dohling (#27), Kevin Yoke (#39) | FWD: Franchu (#23), Victor Bertomeu (#7)
Odisha FC (4-2-3-1)
GK: Amrinder Singh (#1) | DEF: Carlos Delgado (#5), S. Bhattacharya (#3), T. Moirangthem (#24), V. Chhakchhuak (#34) | DM: Hitesh Sharma (#18), L. Khawlhring (#7) | ATT MID: I. Vanlalruatfela (#19), K. Lalrinfela (#25), Rahim Ali (#11) | FWD: VP Suhair (#15)
Full-Time Team Statistics
The full match stats are as follows.
| Kerala Blasters | Stat | Odisha FC |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | Shots | 8 |
| 6 | Shots on Target | 5 |
| 50% | Possession | 50% |
| 7 | Fouls | 7 |
| 3 | Yellow Cards | 3 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| 4 | Offsides | 3 |
| 4 | Corners | 7 |
First Half: Blasters Strike Early, Odisha Hit Back
The match burst to life early as Odisha’s Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak saw yellow in the third minute, instantly raising tempers and setting a fiery, hard-tackling tone for the contest.
Soon after, Victor Bertomeu seized a sharp chance, coolly finishing to give Kerala Blasters the lead, sparking wild celebrations as the crowd roared and the hosts pressed aggressively.
However, Odisha responded swiftly; Rahim Ali pounced on Hitesh Sharma’s assist and drilled home the equaliser, stunning the fans and swinging momentum as both teams traded attacks relentlessly.
Meanwhile, tempers flared again with Carlos Delgado and Muhammed Saheef booked before halftime, and ultimately the sides headed in level at 1-1 after a thrilling, high-energy, end-to-end opening half.
Second Half: Tactical Battles and Late Drama
As the second half unfolded, Kerala’s coach shuffled his deck, introducing Hormipam Ruivah and Muhammad Ajsal around the hour mark, instantly injecting fresh energy and intent into their attacking play.
Meanwhile, Odisha responded tactically, bringing on Edwin Vanspaul to tighten their defense, while Kerala swapped Franchu for Ebindas Yesudasan, a change that quietly set the stage for late drama.
Soon after, tensions rose as Victor Bertomeu and VP Suhair both entered the referee’s book, reflecting the intensity as tackles flew and neither side backed down.
Then came a flurry of substitutions, with Taison Singh entering for Kerala and Odisha reshuffling their midfield, as both teams pushed harder, chasing that elusive, decisive breakthrough goal.
With time slipping away, Kerala made a bold move, introducing Matias Hernandez, and almost instantly, he delivered, soaring high to convert Ebindas Yesudasan’s perfect assist in stunning fashion.
Finally, the stadium erupted as Kerala grabbed a dramatic 2-1 win in stoppage time, and despite a late booking for Kevin Yoke, the hosts celebrated a thrilling, hard-fought victory.
Complete Match Timeline
The full match events are as follows.
| Minute | Event | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3′ | Yellow Card | V. Chhakchhuak | Odisha FC |
| 13′ | Goal | Victor Bertomeu | Kerala Blasters |
| 28′ | Goal | Rahim Ali (Asst: H. Sharma) | Odisha FC |
| 42′ | Yellow Card | Carlos Delgado | Odisha FC |
| 45′ | Yellow Card | Muhammed Saheef | Kerala Blasters |
| 58′ | Substitution | Ruivah IN / Yumnam OUT | Kerala Blasters |
| 58′ | Substitution | Ajsal IN / N. Sudeesh OUT | Kerala Blasters |
| 70′ | Substitution | Vanspaul IN / Lalrinfela OUT | Odisha FC |
| 71′ | Substitution | Yesudasan IN / Franchu OUT | Kerala Blasters |
| 72′ | Yellow Card | Victor Bertomeu | Kerala Blasters |
| 75′ | Yellow Card | VP Suhair | Odisha FC |
| 90+2′ | Substitution | Hernandez IN / Dohling OUT | Kerala Blasters |
| 90+4′ | Goal | Hernandez (Asst: Yesudasan) | Kerala Blasters |
| 90+8′ | Yellow Card | Kevin Yoke | Kerala Blasters |
Key Takeaways from the Match
Kerala Blasters showed early intent and seized control through Victor Bertomeu, setting the tone with aggressive pressing; however, Odisha FC quickly responded, proving their resilience and refusing to let momentum slip away.
Meanwhile, both teams stayed evenly matched throughout, as midfield battles intensified and defenses held firm; consequently, the game evolved into a tactical chess match with discipline, energy, and smart substitutions shaping the flow.
Notably, Kerala’s bench made the real difference, as Ebindas Yesudasan and Matias Hernandez combined brilliantly; in fact, their immediate impact underlined how decisive substitutions can completely transform tight, high-pressure encounters.
Ultimately, Kerala’s never-give-up attitude stole the spotlight, as they snatched victory in stoppage time; thus, this thrilling finish highlighted their fighting spirit, while Odisha learned how costly a single late lapse can be.
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Conclusion: Three Crucial Points for the Yellow Army
Kerala Blasters picked up three priceless points in this gripping ISL encounter, and what a way to do it! The fighting spirit shown, especially in extra time, epitomises this team’s never-say-die attitude.
Odisha FC, despite their battling effort and a spirited equaliser from Rahim Ali, were left heartbroken at the final whistle. They can take pride in their performance, but will rue the late defensive lapse.
For Kerala Blasters fans, this is the kind of victory that will be remembered for a very long time: a last-gasp winner, a packed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, and pure, electric, unforgettable football joy.
