Kerala Blasters FC ignited their ISL 2025-26 campaign with a gritty 2-1 triumph over Bengaluru FC at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, their first win of the season thanks to a late Francisco Fouillassier stunner. The match swung wildly, highlighted by Bengaluru’s numerical disadvantage after a red card.
The hosts drew first blood in the 28th minute via Falaou Nade’s own goal, sparked by Ryan Williams’ teasing cross. Kerala had dominated early chances, with Nade’s header denied by Gurpreet Sandhu in the 7th minute and Ebindas Y’s shot sailing wide.
Bengaluru built pressure through Williams’ wing play and Sunil Chhetri’s near-miss header off Nikhil Poojary’s cross. Williams then unleashed a powerful shot that Arsh Shaikh parried.
Drama unfolded in the 34th minute: Bryan Sanchez’s altercation with Matias Hernandez earned a straight red, reducing Bengaluru to 10 men. Kerala ramped up attacks led by Kevin Yok, but Chinglensana Singh anchored the defense to protect the lead at halftime.
Second half saw Bengaluru threaten on counters, Williams nearly scoring in the 49th, and Ashique Kuruniyan drawing a fine save. Yet Kerala seized control at the hour mark. Ebindas’ chipped pass found Victor Bertranomeu, who rifled home the equalizer with precision.
Sensing victory, the Blasters poured forward. Substitute Fouillassier, on his debut, ghosted past his marker in the 78th minute, collected Ebindas’ pass, and slotted through Gurpreet’s legs for the winner.
Desperate late surges from Monirul Mollah and Williams were repelled by Kerala’s backline. A vital Shaikh save and Yumnam’s clearance in added time preserved the three points.
Kerala now sit 13th with four points; Bengaluru hold fifth on 14. This comeback underlines the Blasters’ fighting spirit in overturning a deficit against a tenacious foe.
