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As the curtain falls on the 2024–25 Indian Super League (ISL) season, Kerala Blasters FC are set to face Hyderabad FC in their final match at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad. With kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM IST, the Blasters aim to conclude a challenging season on a positive note by securing a victory that could elevate them to eighth place in the league standings.
Photocredit:isl media
Season Overview: Trials and Tribulations
Kerala Blasters’ campaign has been a roller-coaster ride, marked by managerial changes, inconsistent performances, and injury woes. The season commenced with high hopes under the leadership of Swedish coach Mikael Stahre, appointed in May 2024 on a contract extending until 2026. The team showcased early promise with a record-breaking 8–0 victory over Mumbai City FC in the Durand Cup, signaling a potential turnaround from previous seasons.
However, the ISL journey proved arduous. The Blasters managed only three wins in their first twelve matches, securing victories against Chennaiyin FC, Mohammedan SC, and East Bengal FC. This lackluster performance led to the departure of Stahre on December 16, 2024, with T.G. Purushothaman stepping in as interim manager.
Under Purushothaman’s guidance, the team faced an uphill battle to revive their playoff aspirations. In the crucial final stretch of five matches, the Blasters secured two wins, suffered one loss, and drew one, ultimately falling short of a playoff berth. Injuries to key players further compounded their challenges, leading to defeats against relatively weaker opponents and underwhelming home performances.
Key Players and Statistics
Despite the team’s struggles, individual performances have stood out. Forward Jesús Jiménez emerged as the club’s top scorer, netting 11 goals and ranking among the league’s leading goal scorers. Noah Sadaoui also made significant contributions, both in goals and assists, underscoring his versatility and importance to the squad.
Midfielder Adrián Luna played a pivotal role in orchestrating the team’s attacks, registering six assists and demonstrating consistent playmaking abilities. Goalkeeper Sachin Suresh managed to secure four clean sheets, reflecting moments of defensive resilience amidst a challenging season.
Opponents’ Season Trajectory
Hyderabad FC’s season mirrored that of the Blasters, characterized by early promise but marred by inconsistency. The team secured only four wins throughout the season, placing them just above the bottom-ranked Mohammedan SC, who endured 15 losses.
In their most recent outing, Hyderabad suffered a 3–1 defeat to Punjab FC, a result that they aim to rectify in their final home game. The match against Kerala Blasters presents an opportunity for Hyderabad to end their season on a high note, providing their fans with a semblance of optimism for the future.
Match Significance and Broadcast Details
For Kerala Blasters, this fixture is more than just a formality; it’s a chance to restore pride and set a positive tone for the upcoming season. A victory would not only improve their position in the league table but also serve as a morale booster for both players and supporters.
Fans can catch the live action on Star Sports 3 and stream the match on Jio Hotstar, ensuring widespread accessibility for supporters eager to witness the season finale.
Looking Ahead: Building for the Future
As the Blasters reflect on a season of unmet expectations, the focus inevitably shifts to rebuilding and strategizing for the future. Addressing injury management, bolstering squad depth, and ensuring stability in the coaching staff will be crucial steps toward reclaiming their competitive edge in the ISL.
The final match against Hyderabad FC offers a platform to showcase resilience and a commitment to growth, signaling to fans and critics alike that Kerala Blasters are poised to learn from past shortcomings and strive for excellence in the seasons to come.
