Kerala Blasters kicked off their Kalinga Super Cup 2025 campaign in spectacular fashion, defeating the defending champions East Bengal FC 2-0 in a Round of 16 clash held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on April 20, 2025. Under the guidance of new head coach David Catala, the Blasters displayed a blend of determination and tactical prowess that left their opponents struggling to find their footing.
From the opening whistle, it was apparent that Kerala Blasters were eager to make a statement. In just the second minute of the match, Moroccan winger Noah Sadaoui found himself in a promising position, delivering a perfect pass to Spanish striker Jesus Jimenez. However, Jimenez shockingly missed a straightforward tap-in that would have given the Blasters an early lead, leaving the bench and fans in disbelief.
East Bengal attempted to respond quickly, with Richard Celis testing Kerala goalkeeper Sachin Suresh with a long-range effort in the eighth minute that narrowly missed the target. Despite this, Kerala continued to create more opportunities, with Sadaoui again proving to be a key player. Before halftime, he made another impressive run down the right flank, setting up Jimenez for a golden chance that the striker failed to convert.
The breakthrough finally came in the 38th minute when East Bengal's Anwar Ali tripped Sadaoui inside the penalty area. The referee wasted no time in pointing to the spot, and Jimenez stepped up to take the penalty. His initial attempt was saved by East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill, but the referee ordered a retake due to Gill's premature movement off the line. This time, Jimenez made no mistake, slotting the ball into the net and sending the Blasters into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
After the break, East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzon made two changes, bringing on Saul Crespo and Nishu Kumar to bolster the midfield. However, Kerala's grip on the game remained firm, as they continued to frustrate their opponents, who struggled to create clear scoring opportunities.
In the 64th minute, Sadaoui capped off a brilliant individual performance with a stunning goal. Picking up the ball just outside the box, he unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that soared into the top corner, leaving Gill with no chance. This goal not only sealed the match for Kerala Blasters but also showcased Sadaoui's exceptional talent and determination.
With the score at 2-0, Kerala Blasters continued to press for more goals. They dominated possession and created several chances, while East Bengal's attempts to mount a comeback were thwarted by a resolute Kerala defense. Despite a late flurry of activity, including a missed opportunity by East Bengal's Kwame Peprah, the Blasters held firm to secure their place in the quarterfinals.
As the final whistle blew, the Kerala Blasters celebrated their emphatic victory, which not only marked a successful start to their Super Cup campaign but also set up an exciting quarterfinal clash against Mohun Bagan Super Giant on April 26, 2025. Mohun Bagan, fresh off a Shield and Cup double in the recently concluded Indian Super League, will pose a significant challenge for the Blasters.
Both Kerala Blasters and East Bengal had disappointing runs in the ISL 2024-25, finishing eighth and ninth respectively. However, the Blasters' performance in the Super Cup has reignited hope among their fans, as they aim to mount a serious challenge for the title under the new leadership of David Catala.
Following the match, Sadaoui was awarded the Kalinga Player of the Match for his outstanding performance, which included a goal and several key assists. Meanwhile, East Bengal's season came to an abrupt end, leaving them to regroup and rethink their strategy for the next season.
As the Kalinga Super Cup progresses, all eyes will be on the Kerala Blasters as they prepare to face Mohun Bagan in what promises to be an electrifying quarterfinal matchup. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if the Blasters can continue their impressive form and challenge for the coveted trophy.
