Kerala Blasters FC defeated the reigning champions Mumbai City FC 3-1 to break into the top four again. Here are the three key talking points from the game.
Kerala Blasters capitalise on their opportunities
Sahal Samad opened the scoring for the Blasters with a solo goal in the 18th minute. Mumbai City FC captain Mourtada Fall ended up fouling Vasquez inside the box, just as the first half was about to end. And the striker obliged by making no mistake from the penalty spot, doubling his side’s lead as they went back into the tunnel for half time.
A rare howler from Mohammad Nawaz set up Vasquez for his double, which piled further misery on the Islanders as they ended up losing the vital game. Diego Mauricio was able to get one back for his side from the penalty spot, but it was too little, too late.
Back in the top four
With a vital win against the defending champions, Kerala Blasters have a two-point lead over Mumbai City FC with only one game to play for both. While it looked like the Islanders were about to qualify for the semi-finals ahead of the game, they have bottled their spot and have now lost control of their fate.
Mumbai City FC collapse at the back-end of the season
The Islanders could not put a foot wrong during the initial half of the season. But then, their defense started giving way. And slowly, they started losing control of their position at the top of the league. While they looked like the favourites to secure the league title at the end of the season, Mumbai City FC are now competing to stay in the race for the Shield, and their fate is not in their hands anymore.
