Bengaluru FC walked away with three points after a 4-2 win over Kerala Blasters in their high-scoring Indian Super League match here on Sunday.
The teams were tied 1-1 at the break with Rahul K P (17th) giving Kerala Blasters a surprise lead which was cancelled out by Cleiton Silva (29th).
Erik Paartalu (51st) and Dimas Delgado (53rd) scored in quick succession to give Bengaluru FC breathing space but Jordan Murray (61st) gave some hope to the away team.
Bengaluru started sharper than their previous displays with Chhetri and Kristian Opseth showing confidence and flair every time they got on the ball.
Kerala finally capitalised in the 17th minute from a counter-attack. Gary Hooper intercepted a Bengaluru free-kick and made a fine run into opposition territory and set up Rahul KP.
The youngster took a touch before drilling past Gurpreet with a low shot. Bengaluru replied in the 29th minute when Cleiton Silva capitalised on a defensive mistake.
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Lalruatthara mistimed his clearance after Nishu Kumar headed a long ball into his own penalty box. Silva poked the ball past Albino Gomes.
Bengaluru’s response was instant, scoring twice in as many minutes. Silva generated the move finding Ashique Kuruniyan on the left.
Paartalu, who was left unmarked in the box, turned in Ashique’s cross. Then Opseth set up Dimas Delgado, after Lalruatthara gave away possession cheaply. Delgado did not make a mistake.
Kerala managed to pull one back in the 61st minute. Pereyra’s cross was on the money, reaching Vicente Gomes who flicked the ball to Murray. The Australian found the net with a fine touch.
| Club | P | W | L | D | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |
| 1 | Mumbai City | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 12 |
| 2 | NorthEast United FC | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 10 |
| 3 | ATK Mohun Bagan | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 10 |
| 4 | Bengaluru FC | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 9 |
| 5 | FC Goa | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 8 |
| 6 | Hyderabad FC | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
| 7 | Jamshedpur FC | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 8 | Chennaiyin FC | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 5 |
| 9 | Kerala Blasters FC | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 10 | -5 | 2 |
| 10 | Odisha FC | 5 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 7 | -5 | 1 |
| 11 | SC East Bengal | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 7 | -7 | 1 |
Source: Insidesport
