Kerala Blasters Edge Odisha FC 2-1 in Thrilling ISL Clash, Matías Hernández Nets Stoppage-Time Winner

April 24, 2026: Kerala Blasters FC registered a hard-fought 2–1 win over Odisha FC in the Indian Super League 2025–26 season at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on April 23, 2026. Goals from Víctor Bertomeu and a dramatic stoppage-time header by substitute Matías Hernández ensured all three points for the home side.

With this result, Kerala Blasters climbed to ninth place in the standings with 11 points from 11 matches, while Odisha FC remained 13th with six points from eight games. Bertomeu’s impactful display earned him the Player of the Match award.

Strong Start and First-Half Action

Kerala began the contest with intent, pushing forward early and creating pressure through Kévin Yoke on the left flank. His attacking runs unsettled the Odisha defence and played a key role in the opening goal. In the 12th minute, after a blocked attempt by Hitesh Sharma inside the box, the ball fell kindly for Bertomeu, who showed quick control before finishing from close range to give the hosts the lead.

The home side continued to press for a second goal, with Bertomeu testing Amrinder Singh soon after. At the other end, Arsh Anwer Shaikh stayed alert to deny Rahim Ali during Odisha’s early attacking effort.

Odisha gradually settled into the game and began to find rhythm in possession. Their efforts were rewarded in the 27th minute when Rahim Ali finished off a well-constructed move, linking up effectively with Hitesh Sharma before placing a composed shot into the bottom corner to restore parity.

Both teams continued to create chances before halftime. Francisco Feuillassier and Nihal Sudheesh came close for Kerala, while Odisha remained dangerous on the counterattack. However, neither side could break the deadlock again before the break.

Kerala Blasters earned their third win of the season with a dramatic injury-time winner over Odisha FC in the ISL ⚽✅

▶️ Read more: https://t.co/Zqwf5Q5sns pic.twitter.com/E0SfPCdTzx

— ESPN India (@ESPNIndia) April 23, 2026

Late Drama Decides the Contest

The second half saw Odisha return with greater urgency, applying pressure through a series of set-pieces and forcing multiple saves from Arsh Shaikh, who delivered a composed performance in goal. Kerala’s defensive unit, led by Aibanbha Dohling and Vibin Mohanan, stood firm under sustained pressure.

As the match progressed, both teams shared control, but clear scoring chances remained limited. Yoke continued to dictate play for Kerala, while Odisha threatened through quick transitions, with Lalthathanga Khawlhring and Isak Vanlalruatfela involved in attacking moves.

Just when the game seemed set to end in a draw, Kerala found a decisive breakthrough in stoppage time. In the 90+3rd minute, substitute Ebindas Yesudasan delivered a precise corner into the box, where Matías Hernández timed his run perfectly to head home the winner.

Kerala nearly added another goal moments later through Yoke, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Odisha’s final attempt to equalise went wide, as the visitors were unable to find a late response.

At full time, Kerala Blasters secured an important victory, continuing their positive momentum, while Odisha FC were left to reflect on missed opportunities despite a competitive showing.