East Bengal FC defeated Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, breaking a four-game winless streak. PV Vishnu’s clever chip in the 20th minute gave the hosts the lead, and Hijazi Maher’s second-half header extended it. Danish Farooq scored late for Kerala, but East Bengal held on for a vital win.

Kerala dominated possession early, but East Bengal capitalized on counter-attacks. Vishnu’s opener, set up by Cleiton Silva’s pinpoint pass, gave the Red & Golds momentum. In the second half, Maher rose unmarked to score from Naorem Mahesh Singh’s corner. Although Farooq’s 84th-minute strike gave Kerala hope, their finishing lacked precision.

Defender Lalchungnunga delivered a standout performance, neutralising key threats.