Red card killed us: BFC coach Munoz following defeat against Blasters Bengaluru FC suffered a 2-1 defeat to Kerala Blasters in a fiercely contested Indian Super League (ISL) match on Saturday, marking the Blasters’ first win of the season. The encounter, played at Sree Kanteerva Stadium in Bengaluru, was characterized by intense rivalry, physical confrontations, and a pivotal red card that shifted the momentum in favor of the visitors. The result leaves Bengaluru FC in fourth place on the league table with 14 points, as they face mounting pressure to improve their performance ahead of the season’s critical phase. The match began with both teams adopting a cautious approach, with the first half dominated by defensive exchanges. Bengaluru FC’s attack struggled to break through Kerala Blasters’ organized defense, though the Blues created a rare opportunity in the 27th minute. A dangerous cross from Ryan Williams was met by Ndiaye, who inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. Sunil Chhetri, who had been involved in the build-up, was left frustrated as the goal proved to be the only breakthrough of the first half. Kerala Blasters, however, began to assert their dominance after the break. Their persistence in the final third paid off in the 61st minute when Víctor Bertomeu capitalized on sustained pressure to open the scoring. The Blasters’ confidence grew as they continued to press Bengaluru FC’s defense, and the lead was extended in the 78th minute through Argentine winger Franchu, who delivered a clinical finish to double Kerala’s advantage. Bengaluru FC’s response was hampered by a red card issued to Sanchez in the 35th minute, which left them a man down and forced them to adjust their tactics. Head coach Pep Munoz admitted the red card was a turning point in the match.#kerala_blasters #bengaluru_fc #pep_munoz #island_sports_league #sree_kanteerva_stadium
Kerala Blasters to part ways with David Catala after dismal ISL 2025-26 start Kerala Blasters is reportedly set to end its partnership with head coach David Catala following a poor start to the Indian Super League 2025–26 season. Catala, who joined the club in March 2025, initially showed promise with a 2-0 victory over East Bengal in the Super Cup. However, the team’s performance quickly declined, failing to advance beyond the group stage in the league. Catala later returned to Spain amid uncertainty about the ISL’s schedule. The Blasters currently sit second from the bottom of the league table, having scored just one goal in the entire season. They narrowly avoided relegation by staying above Mohammedan Sporting Club in the standings. The team’s struggles began with a 0-2 loss to Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their opening match. Since then, they have failed to secure a single win, earning only a solitary point from a 1-1 draw against East Bengal in six matches. According to recent reports, the club has decided to terminate Catala’s contract ahead of the international break. This move allows time to appoint a new manager for the remainder of the campaign. If confirmed, Catala’s departure would mark the third coaching change for Kerala Blasters in two seasons. Previously, the club parted ways with Mikael Stahre in mid-2024 and T. G. Purushothaman, along with assistant coach Tomasz Tchórz, at the end of the 2025 season. The team’s ongoing struggles highlight the challenges faced by the club in stabilizing its performance. With limited goals and a lack of consistency, Kerala Blasters now face the urgent task of finding a replacement to turn their fortunes around before the season’s end.#kerala_blasters #indian_super_league #mohammedan_sporting_club #david_catala #mohun_bagansuper_giant
Kerala Blasters Appoints Ashley Westwood as Head Coach Kerala Blasters Football Club has officially announced the appointment of Ashley Westwood as its head coach for the remainder of the 2026 Indian Super League (ISL) season. Westwood will assume his role immediately, taking charge of the team as they prepare for the upcoming matches. The club emphasized that the decision was made to strengthen their coaching staff and build on the team’s progress. Westwood, a seasoned football manager, brings extensive experience to the role. He previously led Bengaluru FC to two I-League championships and a Federation Cup victory. His coaching career also includes stints with ATK and Punjab FC, where he served as head coach. Additionally, he managed the national teams of Afghanistan and Hong Kong, showcasing his versatility across different footballing environments. In a statement, Abhik Chatterjee, the CEO of Kerala Blasters, expressed confidence in Westwood’s capabilities. “We welcome Ashley to the club. He brings valuable experience and familiarity with Indian football. We look forward to his work with the squad over the remainder of the season,” Chatterjee said. Westwood, reflecting on his new role, acknowledged the challenges and expectations associated with the position. “Kerala Blasters is a club with immense support and expectation. I am fully aware of the responsibility that comes with this role. My focus is on settling in and getting to work with the players and staff to understand the group in the coming days,” he stated. The club also confirmed the departure of several coaching staff members. David Catala, the previous head coach, left via mutual agreement. Conditioning coach Aleex Mora and goalkeeping coach Ortiz Sanchez will also depart, according to a club statement.#kerala_blasters #indian_super_league #ashley_westwood #abhik_chatterjee #island_coaching_team
Punjab FC will aim to extend their unbeaten streak in the Indian Super League 2025-26 season as they face winless Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The match is set for a 19:30 IST kickoff and will be broadcast live on FanCode and telecast on Sony Sports TEN 2. Punjab FC, having bounced back from their initial loss to Jamshedpur FC, have maintained an unbeaten record in their last three fixtures. This includes a victory over Bengaluru FC and draws against NorthEast United FC and FC Goa. In contrast, Kerala Blasters have struggled at the start of the season, losing their first four matches, including three at home. Their recent improvement came in a 1-1 draw against East Bengal, where Muhammad Ajsal scored a stoppage-time equalizer. However, they remain without a win, with their top scorer, Nsungusi Effiong, suspended for the next three matches due to a red card in their draw against FC Goa. Kerala Blasters head coach David Català acknowledged their progress but emphasized the need for continued belief. “We performed better than in other games last match. We showed character and competed, especially in the first half. I’m satisfied with the point, but not with the overall situation,” he said. The team currently sits eighth in the league with five points from four matches, while Kerala Blasters are 13th with just one point from five games. Punjab FC’s head coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis, highlighted the team’s attacking strengths and the importance of quick decision-making. “We were better than our opponents in every game this season. We didn’t let them into our box and created plenty of chances. The key is quicker finishing and scoring goals,” he stated.#kerala_blasters #jawaharlal_nehru_stadium #punjab_fc #fancode #sony_sports_ten_2
Kerala Blasters ended a four-game losing streak in the Indian Super League (ISL) after a stoppage-time equalizer by Muhammed Ajsal in an away match against East Bengal. The result marked a crucial turning point for the Kochi-based team, which had struggled to find form at the start of the season. The draw came after a series of consecutive defeats, with Ajsal’s late goal providing a much-needed boost to the squad’s morale. Kerala Blasters will now look to build on this momentum as they host Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday. However, the team faces significant challenges in their quest for consistency. Struggles in attack have persisted, with the side failing to score in open play during recent matches. The lack of a reliable playmaker and defensive vulnerabilities have further compounded their difficulties, leaving them reliant on set-pieces and last-minute efforts to find goals. Punjab FC, meanwhile, enters the clash as a mid-table team on a resurgence. After an initial loss to Jamshedpur FC, the visitors have since secured victories over Bengaluru FC and drawn with NorthEast United and FC Goa. Their improved form has positioned them as a formidable opponent, particularly given their ability to maintain a compact defense. Coach David Catala acknowledged Punjab’s strength in midfield and emphasized the need for Kerala Blasters to adopt a disciplined approach. “Punjab is very compact in defense, and it’s difficult to make a comeback when they score first. We will do our best to control the game. We have to improve our defense and show the same attitude and energy we displayed against East Bengal,” Catala said. The match will also see Punjab FC without key striker Effiong Nsungusi, who was sent off in their previous encounter against FC Goa.#kerala_blasters #jawaharlal_nehru_stadium #punjab_fc #east_bengal #muhammed_ajsal
East Bengal and Kerala Blasters Draw 1-1 in ISL 2025-26 Clash East Bengal and Kerala Blasters played out a 1-1 draw in their ISL 2025-26 encounter at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. The match, which saw a late equalizer from Kerala Blasters’ Ajsal, ended in a stalemate after a tightly contested 90-minute battle. The result marked Kerala Blasters’ first point of the season, while East Bengal remained winless in their opening two matches. The first half saw East Bengal take an early lead through a penalty converted by Ezzejjari. The Spaniard capitalized on a foul by Aiban inside the penalty area, sending the ball past Kerala Blasters’ goalkeeper Gill. However, Kerala Blasters remained persistent, creating several chances but failing to break the deadlock. Fallou and Rashid both came close in stoppage time, but their efforts were thwarted by solid defending from East Bengal. The second half was a rollercoaster of chances and near-misses. Kerala Blasters, determined to equalize, pressed heavily and created numerous opportunities. East Bengal’s defense, however, struggled to cope with the intensity, leading to a crucial error in the 90+2’ minute. Ajsal capitalized on loose defending from the Red and Gold side, heading in a corner to level the score. The equalizer came after a set-piece routine, with Ajsal finding the back of the net to secure the draw. Throughout the match, substitutions played a role in shaping the flow. East Bengal made several changes, including bringing on Mahesh, Jay, and Souvik, while Kerala Blasters introduced Quintongo and Saheef. Despite the efforts, neither team could find a decisive breakthrough.#kerala_blasters #east_bengal #isl_2025_26 #vivekananda_yuba_bharati_krirangan #ajsal
ISL | Blasters and Chennaiyin desperately searching for first win of the season Kerala Blasters and Chennaiyin FC are both striving for their first victory of the Indian Super League (ISL) season as they prepare to face each other in Kochi on Saturday. The match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium marks a crucial opportunity for both teams, which have struggled to secure points in their opening matches. The Blasters, hosting the game, have yet to win any of their three matches, accumulating just one point from a draw against Odisha FC. Their recent loss to Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC has left them in a difficult position. Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC, despite a draw against Odisha FC, has also faced setbacks, losing to Mumbai City and Inter Kashi. Both teams are under pressure to turn their fortunes around. Kerala Blasters’ coach, David Catala, acknowledged the team’s challenges but expressed confidence in their ability to improve. He emphasized the importance of defensive solidity, stating that the squad is working to become more compact and organized. “The most important thing right now is that we need to be very strong in defence,” Catala said. “We are trying to improve in that aspect, and after all that, I am sure that the goals will arrive for us.” The Blasters’ struggles to score goals have been evident, with their first goal of the season coming in the dying minutes of their third match. Catala admitted there was some negativity within the team but insisted that such emotions are normal in a competitive environment. “We have to fight,” he said. For both teams, Saturday’s match represents a chance to break their losing streak and regain momentum in the ISL campaign. The outcome could have significant implications for their standings and morale as the season progresses.#chennaiyin_fc #kerala_blasters #jawaharlal_nehru_stadium #indian_super_league #david_catala
Chennaiyin FC to take on Kerala Blasters on Saturday Chennaiyin FC will face Kerala Blasters in a crucial Indian Super League match on Saturday. Despite securing a point in their previous encounter against Odisha FC, Chennaiyin have struggled to convert chances into goals, managing just one strike in their opening three matches. Coach Miranda acknowledged the team’s difficulties, attributing the issue to a combination of decision-making and execution in the final third of the pitch. He emphasized the importance of composure and better support in the penalty area, noting that while the team performs well in the first two phases of the game, the final phase remains the most challenging. Kerala Blasters, on the other hand, have started their campaign with three consecutive losses, despite showing promise in several matches. Miranda expects a tough challenge at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, highlighting the team’s resilience and the difficulty of playing in Kochi. He pointed out that Kerala’s performances have been unlucky, with opportunities missed in key moments. The match is anticipated to be a closely contested affair, with both teams needing to address their attacking inefficiencies to secure a positive result. The encounter will be a test for Chennaiyin as they aim to build momentum, while Kerala Blasters will look to bounce back from their poor start. The outcome could have significant implications for both teams’ standings in the league, underscoring the competitive nature of the Indian Super League.#chennaiyin_fc #kerala_blasters #jawaharlal_nehru_stadium #indian_super_league #miranda
