Odisha FC delivered a commanding performance to defeat Bengaluru FC 4-2 at the Kalinga Stadium on Sunday, marking their third consecutive home win over the Blues in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season.
The Juggernauts’ relentless attacking prowess left Bengaluru FC struggling to keep pace, as Odisha secured a vital victory in an electrifying contest.
Odisha began brightly, taking the lead in the 10th minute through the dynamic duo of Isak Vanlalruatfela and Jerry Mawihmingthanga. Isak’s incisive pass into the Bengaluru box found Jerry, who slotted it home with precision, putting the home side in control.
The hosts maintained their attacking momentum, frequently unsettling Bengaluru’s defence. Their efforts paid off in the 27th minute when Mourtada Fall headed in a pinpoint delivery from Ahmed Jahouh’s corner, doubling Odisha’s lead.
Diego Mauricio was the star of the night, showing his skill with two brilliant solo efforts. On the brink of halftime, he received a pass from Jerry Lalrinzuala, navigated through Bengaluru’s defence, and unleashed a thunderous right-footed strike into the bottom corner, giving Odisha a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.
Mauricio struck again in the 60th minute, restoring Odisha’s three-goal cushion after Sunil Chhetri had briefly reignited hope for Bengaluru FC with a 52nd-minute goal. The Brazilian forward’s second goal, a composed finish after slicing through the defence, reaffirmed Odisha’s dominance.
Despite being outplayed in the first half, Bengaluru FC found some rhythm after the break. Chhetri, scoring his fifth goal of the season, redirected Ryan Williams’ cross into the net to reduce the deficit. Edgar Mendez added a late header in the 88th minute from a Roshan Singh cross, but Bengaluru’s rally came too late to overturn Odisha’s commanding lead.
With this win, Odisha FC continues to assert their dominance at the Kalinga Stadium. Head coach Sergio Lobera will be pleased with his side’s clinical finishing and control, especially against a seasoned Bengaluru team.
Bengaluru FC, meanwhile, will need to regroup as they aim to revive their campaign. Despite their efforts in the second half, their defensive frailties proved costly against a rampant Odisha attack.
Odisha now looks forward to building on this momentum as they aim to solidify their position in the top tier of the league standings.
