Stat Attack: Bengaluru FC continue strong home record against Kerala Blasters FC
In what was a repeat of last season's playoff clash, Bengaluru FC continued their unbeaten run against Kerala Blasters FC at home after a thrilling win on Saturday.
In a thrilling encounter, Bengaluru FC secured a last-minute victory over Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Saturday, avenging their earlier season loss in Kochi. The match was a fierce battle, marked by intense tackles, fouls, and solid defensive displays from both sides, providing fans with a captivating showdown that saw equal support from the West Block Blues and the Manjappada.
The decisive moment came courtesy of Javier Hernandez, who not only had an impactful performance but also served as the creative force for Bengaluru FC throughout the game. His lone goal secured the victory, bolstering the team's playoff aspirations for the season. Following this result, Bengaluru FC climbed to sixth place, narrowing the gap with Kerala Blasters FC to eight points.
The win extended Bengaluru FC's impressive home record to five consecutive victories this season. Notably, since Gerard Zaragoza took over as head coach from Simon Grayson, the team has remained unbeaten at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, winning four out of five matches and drawing once.
As the dust settles on the intense clash between Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC, here are some noteworthy facts from Saturday's game:
● Bengaluru FC are now unbeaten in six home games against Kerala Blasters FC in the ISL (W5 D1); in fact, the Tuskers have never beaten the Blues in an away (home of opposition) game, more over just losing once at home this season.
● Kerala Blasters FC has never kept a clean sheet against Bengaluru FC in the ISL, the only side against whom the Tuskers have failed to do so in competition history.
● Kerala Blasters FC attempted just five shots against Bengaluru FC today, their lowest such tally in any game of the ongoing ISL season; in fact, their one shot on target is the Tuskers’ joint-lowest tally in a single game this season (also against NorthEast United FC on 21 October 2023).
● Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC contested eight aerial duels in today’s match, the lowest tally in a single game in the ongoing Indian Super League season; in fact, this is also the fourth-lowest number of aerial duels contested in a single match in the league's history.
● With his goal today, Javi Hernandez has now scored in back-to-back games for the second time in ISL history, doing so for the first time in November 2021.
● Javi Hernandez won seven fouls in today’s match against Kerala Blasters FC; only Punjab FC’s Madih Talal has won more fouls in a single game in the ongoing Indian Super League season (8 vs FC Goa on 2 October 2023).
