Sun Dec 08 07:52:40 UTC 2024: **Bengaluru FC Captain Chhetri Nets Historic Hat-Trick in Derby Win**
Bengaluru, India – Sunil Chhetri etched his name in Indian Super League (ISL) history on Saturday, leading Bengaluru FC to a thrilling 4-2 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in a Southern Derby clash at the Kanteerava Stadium. The 40-year-old captain scored a hat-trick, becoming the oldest player ever to achieve the feat in the ISL, surpassing Bartholomew Ogbeche’s previous record.
Chhetri’s first goal, a powerful header in the 8th minute, set the tone for Bengaluru’s early dominance. Ryan Williams added a second in the 38th minute, giving Bengaluru a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime.
However, Kerala Blasters mounted a spirited comeback in the second half. Jesus Jimenez pulled one back with a clever backheel goal in the 57th minute, and Freddy levelled the score at 2-2 in the 67th minute, silencing the home crowd.
But Chhetri was not to be denied. He restored Bengaluru’s lead in the 73rd minute with a close-range finish, before completing his historic hat-trick in injury time, capitalizing on a defensive error to secure the win.
Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu also played a crucial role, making several key saves, including a double save against Jimenez, to keep Kerala Blasters at bay. Despite Bengaluru’s relatively low possession (36.4%), their clinical finishing, fueled by Chhetri’s brilliance, proved decisive.
The victory propelled Bengaluru FC to the top of the ISL table with 23 points from 11 matches, while Kerala Blasters remain in 10th place with 11 points. Both teams face their next matches on December 14th: Kerala Blasters travel to Mohun Bagan, and Bengaluru FC host FC Goa.
First Piper 