Kerala Blasters FC clinched a thrilling 2-1 victory over Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, on Thursday, April 23. Víctor Bertomeu opened the scoring in the 12th minute, and substitute Matías Hernández delivered the decisive blow with a perfectly timed header in the 90+3rd minute, handing the Blasters all three points in a pulsating home encounter.

Bertomeu Strikes Early to Set the Tone

Kerala Blasters came out with clear intent from the first whistle, with winger Kévin Yoke causing persistent problems down the left flank for Odisha FC's defence. His relentless energy in the opening exchanges created the platform for the game's first goal.

In the 12th minute, a driving run from Yoke forced a blocked effort by Hitesh Sharma, and the rebound ricocheted into the box. Víctor Bertomeu reacted fastest, composedly controlling the ball before slotting home from close range to give the hosts a deserved lead. Bertomeu continued to threaten thereafter, testing goalkeeper Amrinder Singh again within minutes, while at the other end, Arsh Anwer Shaikh was alert to deny Rahim Ali during Odisha's first meaningful attack.

Rahim Ali Levels as Odisha Grow Into the Game

Despite Kerala's early dominance, Odisha FC gradually asserted themselves, building possession and probing for gaps in the Blasters' defensive structure. Their persistence was rewarded in the 27th minute when Rahim Ali finished a slick, well-worked team move — combining neatly with Hitesh before firing a composed effort into the bottom corner to restore parity.

The remainder of the first half was evenly contested. Francisco Feuillassier and Nihal Sudheesh went close for Kerala, while Odisha continued to threaten on the counter through the lively Rahim Ali. Neither side, however, could find a decisive breakthrough before the interval.

Second Half Tension as Both Sides Push for the Winner

Odisha FC emerged from the dressing room with renewed urgency, pressing high and winning a series of early corners in the second half. Goalkeeper Arsh Shaikh produced a string of crucial saves to keep the scores level, while Kerala's defensive partnership of Aibanbha Dohling and Vibin Mohanan stood firm under sustained pressure.

As the game progressed, both sides traded spells of control without creating clear-cut opportunities. Kévin Yoke continued to orchestrate Kerala's attacks from midfield, while Odisha looked dangerous through rapid transitions, with Lalthathanga Khawlhring and Isak Vanlalruatfela involved in several threatening forward moves. The match appeared destined for a point apiece.

Hernández's Late Header Breaks Odisha Hearts

The drama arrived in the 90+3rd minute. Substitute Ebindas Y delivered a precise, well-weighted cross from a corner kick into the penalty area. Substitute Matías Hernández, who had come off the bench, timed his run to perfection and rose to power a header into the net, sending the home crowd at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium into raptures.

Kerala Blasters almost added a third moments later through Yoke, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Odisha FC made one final desperate attempt in stoppage time, but their effort drifted harmlessly wide. At the final whistle, the Blasters celebrated a hard-fought 2-1 win, with Víctor Bertomeu named the Player of the Match for his influential display.

ISL 2025-26 Standings Impact and What Comes Next

The victory lifts Kerala Blasters FC to ninth place in the ISL 2025-26 standings with 11 points from 11 matches, continuing a positive run of form at home. The result keeps their top-six ambitions alive as the season enters a critical phase.

Odisha FC, meanwhile, remain rooted in 13th position with just six points from eight games, leaving them in a precarious situation as they look to avoid a prolonged slump. This defeat compounds their struggles and raises questions about their ability to convert possession into points — a recurring issue throughout the campaign.

Notably, Kerala Blasters' reliance on late-game substitutes to unlock tight matches underlines the squad depth head coach has been building. With the ISL season heading into its business end, both clubs face contrasting challenges — the Blasters chasing a playoff berth while Odisha must arrest their slide. All eyes will be on the next round of fixtures to see whether this result proves a turning point for either side.