Ratings: Luna masterclass help Kerala Blasters beat Odisha FC

Adrian Luna scored the winner for Kerala Blasters

In a thrilling contest in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24, Kerala Blasters FC beat Odisha FC with 2-1 goals at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi.

The game began with an early goal lead for Odisha FC by Diego Mauricio in the 15th minute of play. Moving forward, Mauricio missed a penalty in the 22nd minute which could have given the Odisha FC a healthy lead. 

Although Odisha FC led the score line till 65th minute, a left footed shot by Dimitrios Diamantakos equalized the score in the 66th minute. Then a late goal by Adrian Luna in the 84th minute gave Kerala Blasters FC the lead, which later helped them win the match in front of their home crowd. 

Kerala Blasters (By Riddhiman Sarkar)

Sachin Suresh - 7

The shot-stopper kept his side in the game with a few fingertip saves; four to be exact. 

Sandeep Singh - 6.5

Added more attacking fervor than his teammate on the other flank as he completed two out of three crosses but was less solid in defense, losing four ground duels out of five.

Pritam Kotal - 6.5

The veteran looked far off his game as he was harrowed in one-on-one situations, winning only once out of four times. Aerially, however, Kotal was dominant and came out on top four times out of five.  

Ruivah Hormipam - 6.5

Apart from being outclassed by Diego Mauricio for Odisha’s opener, the towering centre-half was vigilant at the back, winning five out of seven tussles and his only aerial duel.

Naocha Singh - 6.5

Solid presence down the left, as he won five out of seven ground duels, and seven out of 10 aerial battles. 

Rahul KP - 6.5

The young winger was attractive as ever but failed to add end product to his display once again, despite making two key passes as he missed one big chance. Accordingly, the number seven was taken off for the influential Diamantakos in the 58th minute. 

Vibin Mohanan - 6.5

More effective than his counterpart as he won three out of four ground duels and one of his two aerial battles. Taken off for Freddy in the 58th minute.

Danish Farooq Bhat - 6

Combative as he displayed extreme tenacity but was not very effective in the middle of the park, picking up a yellow and winning only two of his 11 duels. 

Daisuke Sakai - 7.5

Set Diamantakos up for the equaliser after lurking in the fray for quite a bit and generating three key passes. Substituted off for Mohammed Aimen in the 70th minute. 

Adrian Luna - 8.5

Clutched his way to help his team out once again as he scored the all-important winner with his trademark finesse as well as winning two out of three take-ons. 

Kwame Peprah - 6.5

Gave way to Mohammaed Azhar in the 81st minute after missing one big chance and getting both of his shots blocked.  

Substitutes

Dimitrios Diamantakos - 8

The Grecian’s introduction changed the game completely as the Blasters got a clinical target man who could not only link play and dribble past players but also finish moves. His goal changed the game and the fact that he scored out of only two shots on target explains his role in doing so.

Freddy Lallawmawma - 6.5

Played for 23 minutes but managed to win all of his aerial duels in the middle of the park before giving way to Ishan Pandita in the 81st minute.

Mohammed Aimen - 6

Didn’t really stand out in the 20 minutes he played apart from completing six out of seven passes.

Mohammed Azhar - 7

His long ball although not pinpoint was an indirect key pass for the match-winner as he picked out Luna’s run, allowing the Uruguayan to pick out a scrumptious chip. 

Ishan Pandita - N/A

Odisha FC Player Rating (By Gourav Samal)

Amrinder Singh - 6.5

The captain had a below par performance in the match. He was seen with some mistakes in clearances and guarded the post in a better way to keep the opponent away from taking a lead.

Narender Gahlot - 7

Ranawade not just controlled the defense line but at times was seen moving ahead and also gave a brilliant pass which was just a touch away from getting converted into a goal.

Serigne Mourtada Fall - 6.5

Mourtada had a decent game when it came to defending. But could have controlled the back line more efficiently to keep his team in the leading position

Jerry Lalrinzuala - 7.5

The defender also had some clinical moments while defending the attacks of the opponent.

Amey Ranawade - 6.5

Ranawade controlled the right flank quite well and did some crucial tackles to keep the ball away from the danger area.

Puitea - 6

Puitea lost possession a few times and lacked the authoritative approach while moving past the defenders. 

Ahmed Jahouh - 7

Jahouh had a decent game, gave some beautiful crosses at times but neither of them were converted into goals.

Isak Vanlalruatfela - 7

Isak controlled the left flank quite well and made some aggressive approach inside the penalty area, but lacked the final touches to net the ball. 

Aniket Jadhav - 7.5

Aniket looked more influential in the first half of play but lost control over the game in the second half and was substituted in for Pranjal.

Diego Mauricio - 7

Diego scored the first goal of the match and looked in good control over the game but missed a penalty that could have been a decider in the match.

Cy Goddard - 6.5

Goddard gave some good assists to the team in the first half of play but neither of them were converted. He had a better first half of play than the second.

Substitutes

Roy Krishna - 6.5

Roy replaced Mauricio in the 65th minute. He had few chances in the middle but lacked the final touches to convert it.

Thoiba Singh - 6

The defender looked good till some minutes on the field but messed up at occasions which resulted in a goal scoring opportunity by the opponent.

Carlos Delgado - 6.5

Delgado demonstrated a lack of proficiency in two instances, as he failed to successfully secure the ball.

Pranjal Bhumij - 7

Pranjal got some good passes, both short and long ones, but was unable to keep the possession and count it for a goal scoring opportunity. 

Michael Sosairaj - 7.5

The midfielder was seen everywhere starting from the back line to the front line. Showed some great agility while passing and tackling the ball.