Kerala Blasters FC have made history by winning their first-ever Indian Super League (ISL) title, defeating Mumbai City FC 3-1 in a thrilling final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The victory was celebrated by a sea of yellow-clad fans, marking a significant milestone for the club and its passionate supporters.
The final, played on Saturday night, was a showcase of skill, determination, and tactical brilliance. Kerala Blasters, led by coach Ivan Vukomanović, executed their game plan to perfection against a formidable Mumbai City FC side known for their attacking prowess.
Kerala Blasters got off to a flying start, with their star forward, Adrian Luna, opening the scoring in the 18th minute. Luna, who has been in scintillating form throughout the season, curled a free-kick into the top corner, leaving Mumbai’s goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa with no chance. The early goal set the tone for Kerala’s dominance in the first half.
Mumbai City FC, despite being rattled by the early setback, managed to regroup and create several chances. However, the Kerala defense, marshaled by their captain Jessel Carneiro and veteran defender Hormipam Ruivah, held firm. The first half ended with Kerala Blasters maintaining their slender lead.
The second half began with Mumbai City FC pressing hard for an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 60th minute when Jorge Pereyra Díaz found the back of the net with a well-placed header from a pinpoint cross by Bipin Singh. The goal reignited Mumbai’s hopes and set up a tense final half-hour.
Kerala Blasters, however, were not to be denied. Just ten minutes after conceding, they restored their lead through a swift counter-attack. Sahal Abdul Samad, who had been a livewire in midfield, delivered a perfectly weighted through ball to Dimitrios Diamantakos. The Greek striker calmly slotted the ball past Lachenpa, sparking jubilant celebrations among the home fans.
With the clock ticking down, Mumbai City FC threw everything forward in search of another equalizer, but Kerala’s defense remained resolute. In the dying minutes of the match, Kerala Blasters sealed their historic victory with a third goal. Substitute Prasanth Karuthadathkuni, on the field for barely five minutes, capitalized on a defensive error to score a tap-in, putting the result beyond doubt.
After the final whistle, Kerala Blasters’ coach Ivan Vukomanović praised his team’s effort and resilience. “This is an incredible achievement for everyone associated with Kerala Blasters. The players showed immense character and played with heart. Our fans have been phenomenal, and this victory is for them,” he said.
Adrian Luna, who was named Man of the Match, expressed his joy and gratitude. “Winning the ISL title is a dream come true. We worked hard all season, and to lift the trophy in front of our amazing fans is a feeling like no other. This is a moment we will cherish forever,” Luna commented.
Mumbai City FC’s coach Des Buckingham, while disappointed with the loss, congratulated Kerala Blasters on their victory. “Kerala Blasters played an excellent game and deserved their win. We gave our best but fell short. We’ll come back stronger next season,” he remarked.
The victory sparked celebrations across Kerala, with fans flooding the streets, waving flags, and singing songs in support of their beloved team. Social media was abuzz with congratulatory messages and tributes to the players and coaching staff.
As Kerala Blasters bask in their historic triumph, they look forward to building on this success in the coming seasons. This victory not only marks a significant milestone for the club but also highlights the growing stature and competitiveness of the Indian Super League.
