Mumbai City FC Outlasts Kerala Blasters in Six-Goal Thriller at the Arena

by Chittu Shetty November 3, 2024

In an electrifying encounter at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai City FC clinched a thrilling 4-2 victory over Kerala Blasters.

The high-stakes duel saw Nikolaos Karelis net a brace, while Nathan and captain Lallianzuala Chhangte added to the tally, securing three points for the Islanders in a game packed with drama and tension until the final whistle.

Mumbai City set the tempo from the very start, nearly opening the scoring within the first minute. Brandon Fernandes, returning to the lineup, announced his presence with a powerful shot that just skimmed over the crossbar. Soon after, Chhangte tested the waters with a long-range attempt, also narrowly missing the target.

The pressure from Mumbai paid off within the first ten minutes. Utilizing an overload on the right flank, Valpuia slipped a well-weighted through ball to Chhangte, who quickly found Karelis inside the box. In top form, Karelis struck it home, scoring in his third consecutive game and handing Mumbai City an early lead.

Kerala Blasters, however, struggled to find their rhythm. Despite some chances to equalize, they faltered in the final third, with a series of off-target shots and misplaced passes.

Meanwhile, Mumbai controlled possession confidently, nearly doubling their lead through a dynamic play orchestrated by Jon Toral. The City midfielder threaded a precise through ball to Chhangte, who delivered a perfect pass into the six-yard box, but Brandon, racing in, slipped at the last moment and missed a golden chance.

With momentum on their side, Mumbai City soon doubled their lead early in the second half. Following a handball inside the box, Karelis calmly converted a penalty, securing his brace and placing City firmly in command.

Kerala Blasters found a lifeline moments later, as Valpuia’s challenge on Peprah earned them a penalty. Jimenez stepped up and coolly dispatched his shot to the left corner, cutting City’s lead in half and sparking hope for the visiting side.

Their momentum continued as they were awarded an indirect free kick within City’s
penalty area after an error by goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa. Jimenez took the bshot, but despite a powerful strike, the ball rattled the woodwork, letting City off the hook.

Blasters didn’t relent and soon found the equalizer. Captain Adrian Luna’s pinpoint cross met Peprah, who soared to nod the ball into the net, sending Blasters fans into raptures. However, Peprah’s shirtless celebration drew a second yellow card, reducing Kerala to ten men.

The home crowd at Mumbai Football Arena erupted as City reclaimed the lead. A deflected corner fell to Nathan, who unleashed a stunning half-volley into the bottom left corner, marking his first professional goal with a moment of brilliance.

Mumbai City sealed the victory late in the match after Jeremy Manzorro won a second penalty, brought down by Vibin amidst pressure from three defenders. Captain Chhangte, marking his 150th appearance, confidently slotted the penalty into the net, capping off an unforgettable performance for the Islanders.

In a night of relentless action, Mumbai City FC’s composure shone through, as they maintained a stunning winning with a memorable 4-2 victory over a spirited Kerala Blasters side at the Arena.