Knockouts stakes simple as rivals Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC promise blockbuster clash
The much-awaited new knockout stage of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) playoffs will commence at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Friday, with Bengaluru FC locking horns with arch-rivals and last year’s runners-up Kerala Blasters FC.
There will be no margin for error as the winners will book a semi-final berth against Mumbai City FC while the season ends immediately for the losing team.
Riding on the back of eight consecutive wins in the Hero ISL league stage, Bengaluru FC will take the pitch with momentum in their favour. The Blues dropped no points in the league stage during this calendar year, and made a memorable comeback to book a spot in the playoffs, a streak which included a win against the Blasters.
Bengaluru FC faced the Blasters at home in the Hero ISL less than a month ago, where they held onto a one-goal lead to clinch all three points and a clean sheet. Sivasakthi Narayanan is in spectacular form ahead of this encounter. The youngster has scored six goals this season, all of which have come in the last eight games. (Club statistics)
“We are playing with confidence because we have been on such a good run. We have beaten some really good teams and will go into this game with really strong spirits, good confidence but no overconfidence,” said Grayson. “The performance against Kerala [Blasters] a few weeks ago was really good, and it helped us get to where we are now. But this is a different game, and the atmosphere will be electric,” he added.
Kerala Blasters FC will have to bounce back with aplomb if they want to take something away from a venue that has never been a happy hunting ground for them. The Blasters come into this game after losing all of their last three Hero ISL games. In their last five league games, the Blasters only won once.
The Blasters have lost all five away games they have played this calendar year, and are the playoff team with the most shaky scoring form ahead of the knockouts. They will have defender Marko Leskovic available for the next fixture, but it’s at the other end where head coach Ivan Vukomanovic will be looking for big improvements – and he suggested it doesn’t matter how the goals come. (Club statistics)
“It will be an interesting game. In the last game against Bengaluru not long ago, we had more possession, but in the end, we lost the game,” said Vukomanovic. “We have to find how to approach this game and how to win the game. We are in the knockout phase and nobody will care about what kind of football is played. Only the results will matter. We want to play the way we always play and want to be the dominant side,” he added.
In 12 Hero ISL meetings between the two sides, Bengaluru FC have won seven encounters, while Kerala Blasters FC have won thrice. The Blasters are yet to beat the Blues in their own backyard.
Also Read: FC Goa star Anwar Ali wins Comeback of The Year in Sportstar Aces Awards 2023
Also Read: RoundGlass Punjab FC one win away from the title after win against Churchill Brothers
Indian Super League 2023-24 final to be played on May 04
Indian Super League Season 10 playoffs to begin on April 19, the first leg of semifinals will begin from April 23 while the fInal will be played on May 4…
Battle lines drawn as 20 clubs gear up for the National Group Stage of Reliance Foundation Development League 2024
Mumbai, April 11: The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2024 has reached a pivotal moment as the Regional Qualifiers conclude, paving the way for an intense National Group Stage. This will take…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC flares an important 3-0 victory over Sporting Goa in an crucial encounter
Maharashtra Oranje FC returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Sporting Goa to lift themselves to 7th spot in the I-League 2 table In a high-stakes I-League 2…
Roundup: Chennaiyin FC win against KBFC as RFYC, Bengaluru FC play gripping draw in RFDL National Group Stage in Mumbai
Mumbai, April 16: Bengaluru FC and Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) played out a goalless draw at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai in the National Group Stage…
Kerala Blasters FC bag winning momentum before playoffs with solid 3-1 win against Hyderabad FC
Hyderabad, April 12: Kerala Blasters FC ensured that they will enter the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs with a win at their back after defeating Hyderabad FC by 3-1…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant crowned ISL Champions 2023-24 after 2-1 win in title-winning clash against Mumbai City FC
Kolkata, April 15: Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the Indian Super League (ISL) Champions by defeating Mumbai City FC by 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight. The…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
Mohun Bagan SG set the date for League Winners Face-off against Mumbai City FC with a dominant 4-0 win against Bengaluru FC
Mohun Bagan SG defeated Bengaluru FC by 4-0 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium tonight to take the battle of becoming the Indian Super League 2023-24 League Winners to the final…
NorthEast United FC end their campaign on a high with feisty 3-0 victory over Odisha FC
Guwahati, April 13: NorthEast United FC bowed out of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on a high with a resounding 3-0 victory against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…