Kerala Blasters:- The clash between Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) has always been a much-anticipated match among football fans in India. As we approach the end of the 2022-23 season, the stakes have become higher as both teams compete for a spot in the Super Cup semifinal. In this article, we will explore how Kerala Blasters FC can qualify for the Super Cup semifinal and analyze their chances based on their current form.
Kerala Blasters vs Bengaluru FC: Match Highlights
The match between Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC took place on April 13, 2023, at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala. Both teams were placed in Group A, along with RoundGlass Punjab FC, and the winner of Qualifier 1.
The match began with Bengaluru FC on the front foot, dominating possession and creating several chances in the first half. However, they were unable to convert any of their chances into goals, and the first half ended goalless.
In the second half, Kerala Blasters came out with renewed energy and began to create chances of their own. In the 61st minute, they took the lead through a goal from midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad. However, Bengaluru FC responded quickly and equalized just four minutes later through a goal from forward Sunil Chhetri.
Both teams continued to create chances in the remainder of the match but were unable to find the winning goal. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams earning a point.
What is the Super Cup?
The Super Cup is an annual knockout football tournament in India where the top four teams from the ISL and I-League compete for the title. The tournament usually takes place after the ISL and I-League seasons are over and provides an opportunity for teams to end their season on a high note.
The Current Situation
As of March 3, 2023, Bengaluru FC is currently in third place with 39 points, while Kerala Blasters FC is in seventh place with 29 points. To qualify for the Super Cup semifinal, Kerala Blasters FC needs to finish in the top four of the ISL table.
With only four games left in the season, Kerala Blasters FC faces a challenging task to close the 10-point gap and break into the top four. However, they are not entirely out of the race yet, and a strong finish to the season could see them clinch a place in the Super Cup semifinal.
The Road Ahead
Kerala Blasters FC needs to win all their remaining games and hopes that the teams above them in the table drop points. The teams currently occupying the top four spots are Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City FC, FC Goa, and Jamshedpur FC. Kerala Blasters FC still has to play against Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City FC, which are crucial fixtures in their quest to reach the Super Cup semifinal.
Head-to-Head Records
In the current season, Kerala Blasters FC and Bengaluru FC have played against each other twice, with Kerala Blasters FC winning one and the other game ending in a draw. This record suggests that Kerala Blasters FC has a fair chance of winning their upcoming fixture against Bengaluru FC and increasing their chances of qualifying for the Super Cup semifinal.
Analysis of KBFC’s Chances
Kerala Blasters FC has had a mixed season, with some impressive performances and some disappointing ones. However, their recent form has been encouraging, with a four-game unbeaten streak, including a crucial win against Bengaluru FC. If they can continue this form and win their remaining games, they have a chance of finishing in the top four.
However, they need to rely on the other teams dropping points, which is not entirely in their control. Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC are in excellent form, and it is unlikely that they will slip up in the remaining games.
History of Bengaluru FC
Bengaluru FC was founded on July 20, 2013, and began its first competitive season in the I-League on September 22, 2013. The club was founded by Sunil Chhetri, a well-known Indian footballer, and his teammates from the Indian national team. The club’s management was taken over by JSW Group, a conglomerate based in India that has interests in steel, energy, and infrastructure.
Bengaluru FC won the I-League in its debut season in 2013-14 and won the title again in the 2015-16 season. The club has been a consistent performer in the Indian Super League since joining the league in 2017.
Players and Achievements
Bengaluru FC has had some talented players in its ranks over the years, including Sunil Chhetri, who is the all-time leading scorer for the Indian national team. The club has also signed some talented foreign players, including Miku Fedor, who was the top scorer in the 2017-18 Indian Super League season.
Bengaluru FC has won the I-League twice and has been a runner-up twice. The club has also won the Indian Super League once and has been a runner-up once. Bengaluru FC has also won the Super Cup once and has been a runner-up once.
History of Kerala Blasters FC
Kerala Blasters FC was formed in 2014 as one of the eight founding members of the Indian Super League. The club’s name is a homage to one of its former co-owners, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who was famously nicknamed the ‘Master Blaster’. Since its inception, the club has had a strong following, with fans in Kerala and across India showing their support for the team.
Achievements and Records
Kerala Blasters FC has had some success in the Indian Super League, although the team has yet to win the competition. The club finished as runners-up in the 2014 and 2016 editions of the ISL, and also reached the semi-finals in the 2018-19 season.
One of the most memorable moments in the club’s history came in the 2014 season, when they faced Atlético de Kolkata in the final. The match, which was played in front of a capacity crowd at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai, ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time. Kerala Blasters FC eventually lost the match 1-0 in a penalty shootout.
Conclusion
To summarize, Kerala Blasters FC faces an uphill task in their bid to qualify for the Super Cup semifinal. They need to win all their remaining games and hope that the teams above them in the table drop points. Their upcoming game against Bengaluru FC is crucial, and a win could give them the confidence and momentum to push for a top-four finish.
While the task ahead of them is challenging, Kerala Blasters FC cannot be written off yet. They have shown glimpses of brilliance throughout the season and have the potential to upset the odds and reach the Super Cup semifinal.
