আইএসএল শুরুর আগেই বিরাট সুখবর দিল কেরালা

Capable of playing as a striker or on either wing, Bertomeu brings with him a strong competitive background across Europe and Asia, having featured in Spain’s domestic circuit and in leagues abroad, including stints in Hong Kong and Indonesia. Known for his direct running, sharp movement in the final third and high-intensity style of play, the Spaniard is expected to provide the Blasters with added firepower and depth in attack.

Bertomeu began his football journey in Spain and has represented clubs such as Gimnàstic de Tarragona, CF Pobla de Mafumet, CF Ascó, CF Peralada, and AE Prat, gaining valuable experience across different levels of Spanish football. In recent seasons, he has also played in Asia, featuring for Eastern FC in the Hong Kong Premier League, followed by a spell with Gresik United FC in Indonesia, where he continued to grow as a modern attacking player.

Kerala Blasters FC CEO, Abhik Chatterjee said, “We are delighted to welcome Victor to Kerala Blasters FC. He is a versatile attacking player who brings energy, experience and a strong work ethic to our squad. We believe he will be a valuable addition to the group as we continue to build a competitive team for the season ahead.”

Head coach David Català made one change to the starting lineup, bringing in Tiago Alves for Nihal Sudeesh. For the first time in the tournament, Kerala fielded all six of their foreign players. The match began at a lively pace, with both sides creating early chances. Jorge Ortiz fired over for Mumbai in the opening minutes, while Adrián Luna’s clever through ball nearly set up Tiago Alves for the Blasters.

The Islanders grab the last #AIFFSuperCup semi-final spot! @MumbaiCityFC strike late to pip @KeralaBlasters on head-to-head and emerge as Group D toppers #MCFCKBFC #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/EK6Hngyb4l

— Indian Football (@IndianFootball) November 6, 2025

Kerala looked threatening down the flanks through Noah Sadaoui and Thingujam Korou Singh, with Koldo Obieta also testing Mumbai goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa from a tight angle. However, momentum began to shift toward Mumbai as the first half progressed. Just before halftime, Kerala suffered a major blow when Sandeep Singh was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

Down to ten men, the Blasters reorganized defensively after the break, with Aibanbha Dohling replacing Noah Sadaoui to strengthen the backline. Goalkeeper Nora Fernandes produced a brilliant save to deny Lallianzuala Chhangte in the 54th minute. Kerala remained dangerous from set pieces, as Juan Rodríguez’s header from Aiban’s long throw forced another fine stop from Lachenpa.

Català introduced Freddy Lallawmawma, Huidrom Naorem Naorem, and later Nihal Sudeesh to maintain intensity as Kerala focused on protecting the draw that would have seen them through. But heartbreak struck in the 88th minute when a deflected clearance from Muhammed Saheef found its way into his own net, giving Mumbai City the decisive lead.

Despite a late surge, Kerala Blasters couldn’t find an equalizer. The result left them with six points from their group matches, narrowly missing out on a semifinal spot. Mumbai City FC, meanwhile, advanced to the last four of the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26.

A brace from Koldo Obieta (17’, 23’) and a superb acrobatic strike from Korou Singh Thingujam (34’) sealed a comfortable win for the Blasters. With this result, Kerala Blasters moved to the top of Group D with six points from two matches, while SC Delhi were knocked out of the tournament.

The Blasters, coached by David Català, were disciplined in defense, creative in midfield, and ruthless in attack. From the opening whistle, they dominated possession, pressed high up the pitch, and stretched SC Delhi’s five-man defense.

The tone was set early when Adrián Luna’s corner found Juan Rodríguez, whose header struck the crossbar. Noah Sadaoui looked sharp in attack, while Nihal Sudheesh’s pace constantly troubled the Delhi backline.

Kerala Blasters took the lead in the 17th minute after a costly mistake from Delhi. A misplaced back pass by Ayush Adhikari was intercepted by Obieta, who slotted the ball past goalkeeper Vishal Yadav despite his attempt to save.

Just six minutes later, Obieta struck again. A slick passing move involving Korou, Nihal, and Obieta ended with the Spanish forward weaving through the defense and calmly finishing into the bottom corner to make it 2–0.

The third goal arrived in the 34th minute and was arguably the best of the night. Captain Luna floated a delightful scooped pass into the box, which Korou Singh met with an acrobatic right-footed volley that flew into the far corner — a goal that perfectly captured the Blasters’ flair and confidence.

SC Delhi failed to register a single shot on target in the first half and struggled to cope with Kerala Blasters’ tempo and movement. Though they improved slightly after the break, the damage was already done.

Their best chance came in the 88th minute, when Augustine Lalrochana forced a fine save from Nora Fernandes, who preserved the Blasters’ clean sheet.

With this emphatic victory, Kerala Blasters reinforced their credentials as serious contenders for a Super Cup semifinal spot, while SC Delhi bowed out after another disappointing result.