Team Herald
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PANJIM: It was raining goals at Fatorda as Bengaluru FC prevailed in a six-goal thriller against Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League match, on Sunday.
Bengaluru scored through Cleiton Silva (29’), Erik Paartalu (51’), Dimas Delgado (53’) and Sunil Chhetri (65’) while Rahul KP (17’) and Jordan Murray (61’) were on target for the visitors.
There was plenty of drama throughout the game with lot of action. Kerala were the first to break the deadlock in the 17th minute with a brilliant counter attack which saw Gary Hooper making a darting run from into his own penalty area before setting up Rahul KP, and the last name drilled a low grounder, 1-0.
But Bengaluru restored parity just before half hour mark after Cleiton Silva capitalised on a defensive mistake of Lalruatthara.
The teams were tied 1-1 at the break. But in the second half it was a different Bengaluru FC who attacked in numbers. They were awarded a penalty when Bakary Kone brought down Opseth in the box. Chhetri stepped up but his poorly taken freekick was easily saved by Albino Gomes. Who has now saved penalties in this season.
Bengaluru’s response was instant. They scored twice in as many minutes. Silva generated the move playing Ashique Kuruniyan on the left and the latter drilled in a low cross in the box. Paartalu, who was left unmarked in the box, scored with a brilliant touch.
The home side doubled the lead in equal minutes. It was Kerala defender Lalruathhara who gave away possession in the danger area. Opseth set up Dimas Delgado, whose strike had no answer from Albino.
But Kerala were determined to get back in the game and managed to pull one back in the 61st minute. Pereyra cross was on the money, reaching Vicente Gomes who flicked the ball to Murray and the Australian got a fine touch before the ball entered the goal.
The home side restored their two-goal lead and this time it was Chhetri getting his name on the score sheet. The India international made amends to his earlier penalty miss and headed in a Harmanjot Khabra’s cross. Gomes got his fingertips but that was not enough to keep the ball out.
NEUFC-Chennaiyin FC clash ends in stalemate
Earlier at Tilak Maidan, NorthEast United only managed to grab a point but extended their unbeaten run as they drew 0-0 with Chennaiyin FC.
The Highlanders, with 10 points alongside ATK Mohun Bagan, are placed second in the Hero ISL table while Chennaiyin FC have now failed to pick up a win in their last four matches.
