File photo of Kerala Blasters FC
Kerala Blasters registered a comprehensive 3-0 win over 10-man Mumbai City FC in an Indian Super League match here on Sunday. Sahal Abdul Samad (27th), Alvaro Vazquez (47th) and Jorge Pereira Diaz (51st penalty) made it to the scoresheet for Kerala Blasters, who moved up to fifth in the standings with nine points from six games.
Mumbai City topped the pile, but the result means Hyderabad FC, Jamshedpur FC and Chennaiyin FC can now close the gap to the defending champions. To make matters worse for the islanders, a marching order was given to Mortada Fall in the second half.
Mumbai almost took the lead in the second minute when an Ahmed Jahou pass found Cassio Gabriel, whose effort was saved by Gill, but just before clearing the post. Igor Angulo got another chance three minutes later from Mandar Rao Desai’s corner but his effort was saved by the keeper.
It was an end to end action as Vazquez saw that his stinging shot was brilliantly saved by Mohammad Nawaz. Vazquez was at the center of all Kerala’s moves as the Spaniard scored some decent runs off the ball and found joy in the last third as well. Kerala seemed the likely side to score and Sahal towards half-time gave Nawaz a brutal shot after being set up by Diaz.
There was more misery for the league leaders after half time and Vazquez created a moment of magic to launch the fireworks. Jackson Singh delivered a lovely ball from the right side to Vazquez on the edge of the box and the 30-year-old then hit a brilliant volley with an aplomb into the top corner.
It got worse for Mumbai when Murtada Fall restricted them to 10 men after taking a second yellow card and was sent inside the box for a tackle on Diaz. Diaz stepped up and converted the spot-kick 3-0 to take the game ahead of Mumbai.
Mumbai got a chance to pull things back but their efforts were foiled by Bipin Singh, Mehtab Singh and Rainier Fernandes. Vazquez also got a chance to double his tally but could not keep his balance in front of the goal.
,