Kerala Blasters sink Hyderabad to go top in ISL

Express News Service

KOCHI:  When Kerala Blasters got thrashed in their opening game against ATK Mohun Bagan, the over-riding sentiment was that it was going to be a long and hard season of struggles, just like the past few seasons.

However, what ensued has been a stunning unbeaten run which has seen them move go to the summit of the Indian Super League. Their 1-0 win against Hyderabad FC at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco on Sunday has turned them into serious title contenders with the team now on a nine-match unbeaten run as Ivan Vukomanovic has moulded them into an efficient and hard to beat outfit.

Alvaro Vazquez’s 42nd-minute strike helped them pip Mumbai City to the top on goal difference while Hyderabad’s winning streak got snapped in the process. Right from the start, the game was played at a high tempo with both sides pushing each other and playing an attacking brand of football.

Expectedly, Bartholomew Ogbeche was the target man for Hyderabad as their moves went through the former Blasters man. Hyderabad was trying to stretch Blasters down the flanks but their defence stood tall led by the rock-solid Harmanjot Khabra whose consistent performances has been among the most under-appreciated storylines of the season so far for the yellow brigade.

Blasters goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill had to be at full stretch when he tipped over a free-kick from Edu Garcia.  As the half wore on, Blasters started growing in confidence and Adrian Luna demonstrated why he is one of the best players operating in the league right now. Thanks to the Uruguayan, Blasters started to dominate the midfield.

Full story: newindianexpress.com