Sat Jan 18 22:37:55 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Blasters Hold NorthEast United Despite Red Card
**Kochi:** Kerala Blasters FC fought back from a first-half red card to earn a hard-fought 0-0 draw against NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Despite playing with ten men for the majority of the match after Aiban Dohling’s 30th-minute dismissal, Blasters’ resolute defense thwarted a relentless NorthEast United attack.
NorthEast United, who dominated possession and registered 18 shots on goal, pressed aggressively to exploit their numerical advantage. Their Moroccan star, Aladine Ajar, spearheaded their offensive efforts, while Kerala’s Noh Sada provided a creative spark for the home team. Adrian Luna also contributed with impressive passes and movements.
While some fans lamented that the match might have had a different outcome had Dohling not received a red card, Kerala’s defensive strategy proved effective. New signing Dusan Lagator was brought on late for Luna, but failed to impact the game significantly.
The draw marks Kerala Blasters’ third draw of the season, leaving them with 21 points from 17 matches in 8th position. NorthEast United, with 25 points from the same number of matches, sits in 5th place. Kerala Blasters’ next match is against East Bengal on the 24th.
First Piper 