Kerala Blasters continued their perfect start to the AIFF Super Cup 2025, defeating Sporting Club Delhi 3-0 at the GMC Bambolim Stadium to strengthen their grip on Group D.
With six points from two matches and a healthy goal difference, the Tuskers are now on the brink of sealing a semi-final berth, pending the result of the Rajasthan United vs Mumbai City FC game in Fatorda later tonight.
Right from kickoff, Kerala Blasters showed their intent to dominate. Playing in their familiar 4-4-2 shape under coach David Catana, the side combined attacking flair with structured pressing, forcing Sporting Club Delhi into defensive errors. Within the opening five minutes, the Tuskers came agonizingly close to taking the lead when Juan Rodriguez’s header from an Adrien Luna corner struck the crossbar. That early scare set the tone for Delhi’s night — a constant struggle against the relentless yellow wave.
The breakthrough came in the 18th minute. Delhi’s defense, which had already shown signs of nervousness, crumbled under pressure. A misplaced clearance landed at the feet of Spanish forward Koldo Obieta, who calmly slotted it home past Vishal Yadav to make it 1-0. The striker, who has been in fine form this season, wasn’t done yet. Just four minutes later, he doubled the lead, finishing off a slick team move that started with a quick passing exchange between Luna and Noah Sadaoui. The early brace took Obieta’s tally to four goals in two games, establishing him as one of the standout performers of the tournament so far.
Kerala Blasters’ dominance only grew stronger as the half progressed. The midfield pairing of Luna and Dusan Lagator dictated the tempo, while Nihal Sudeesh and Korou Singh stretched Delhi’s defense on the wings. The third goal arrived in the 34th minute and it was arguably the best of the lot. Luna, once again at the heart of things, delivered a looping cross into the box which Korou Singh met with an acrobatic right-foot volley, leaving Yadav rooted to the spot.
It was the kind of finish that reflected the confidence running through the Kerala camp creative, clinical, and full of conviction. By half-time, the scoreboard read 3-0, and the match seemed all but over.
Delhi’s Second-Half Response Falls Short
Sporting Club Delhi returned with renewed energy after the break, adjusting their formation to add an extra midfielder. The move gave them more possession and a few chances to threaten the Kerala defense. Their best opportunity came in the 48th minute when Sourav broke free on the counter, but his shot was expertly intercepted by Sandeep Singh.
Kerala, meanwhile, adopted a more conservative approach, conserving energy and maintaining control of the game. Despite slowing their tempo, they remained dangerous on the counter. Luna continued to pull the strings from midfield, and Obieta came close to completing a hat-trick midway through the second half, but his header drifted inches wide. Delhi’s best spell arrived between the 70th and 80th minutes, with Isaac Vanmalsawma’s free kick in the 74th minute forcing a diving save from Kerala’s goalkeeper Nora Fernandes. The Blasters’ defense, led by Muhammad Saheef and Sandeep Singh, held firm, repelling every Delhi attempt to pull one back.
For Kerala Blasters, this victory was as much about individual brilliance as it was about collective strength. Koldo Obieta’s brace showcased his poacher’s instinct and clinical finishing, while Adrien Luna’s playmaking once again highlighted his importance to the team’s structure. The Uruguayan captain not only provided an assist but also orchestrated several attacks, linking the midfield and forward lines seamlessly.
Head coach David Catana was seen urging his players to maintain focus until the final whistle. Even at 3-0 up, the Blasters continued to press for a fourth goal, a sign of their hunger and desire to dominate the group. Their high-intensity approach and tactical discipline have made them one of the most exciting sides to watch in this year’s competition.
Group D Picture: Kerala in Command
With two wins out of two, Kerala Blasters now lead Group D with six points and a goal difference of +5. Mumbai City FC, with three points, sit second, followed by Rajasthan United, who are yet to play their second fixture of the round. Sporting Club Delhi, after back-to-back defeats, have been officially eliminated from contention.
If Rajasthan United manage to beat Mumbai City FC later in the day, Kerala will secure an early ticket to the semi-finals. Otherwise, their fate will depend on the final round of group-stage fixtures. Regardless, the Tuskers’ performance so far suggests they are well-equipped for the knockout stages.
Kerala’s journey in the AIFF Super Cup 2025 has been marked by attacking flair and defensive solidity. Their ability to transition quickly, combined with sharp finishing from Obieta and creative play from Luna, makes them serious title contenders. The next challenge for them will be to maintain consistency as the tournament intensifies.
For Sporting Club Delhi, it has been a campaign to forget. Despite flashes of improvement in the second half, their defensive frailties and lack of cutting edge up front were brutally exposed by a superior opponent. The team will need to regroup and reassess as they look to rebuild from this experience.
At the GMC Bambolim, the Kerala faithful once again had plenty to cheer for goals, energy, and a performance worthy of their top spot. As the final whistle blew, the chants of “Yennum Yellow” echoed through the stands, a fitting tribute to a side that continues to play with confidence and purpose.
With momentum firmly on their side, Kerala Blasters now look poised to make a deep run in the AIFF Super Cup and perhaps, finally, lift the silverware their fans have long awaited.
Full-Time: Kerala Blasters 3–0 Sporting Club Delhi
Goals: Koldo Obieta (18’, 22’), Korou Singh (34’)
