ISL 2021-22, Kerala Blasters reach final: Key numbers
What's the story
Kerala Blasters have reached the final of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season after edging past Jamshedpur FC in the two-legged semi-finals. The Blasters sealed the deal with a 2-1 aggregate score. They had won the first leg 1-0 and then drew the second 1-1 in what was a tight affair. Here we decode Kerala Blasters' numbers in the ISL.
Semis
How did the semis pan out?
In the first leg, Sahal Samad's 38-minute goal was the difference as the Blasters eked out a narrow win over Jamshedpur FC. Kerala had the better chances with four shots on target from five in total. In the second leg, Adrian Luna handed Kerala an early lead in the 18th minute. Jamshedpur FC equalized in the second half but it wasn't enough.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Having finished fourth in the ISL 2021-22 league standings, the Blasters showed a lot of character versus Jamshedpur over the two legs. Notably, League Shield winners Jamshedpur FC had finished top of the 11-team standings. To make another final shows the mentality of Kerala Blasters, who could now be the favorites to pocket the title. They will face ATK Mohun Bagan or Hyderabad FC.
Standings
Kerala finished fourth in the league standings
Kerala made it to the semis after finishing fourth in the league standings. They secured nine wins, seven draws, and four losses to finish with 34 points. They had a goal difference of +10. They forwarded 34 goals, besides allowing 24. In the league stage, they drew 1-1 versus Jamshedpur FC and lost 3-0 in the second encounter.
Stats
Notable stats of the Kerala Blasters
The Blasters have scored the joint-fourth highest number of goals in the ISL 2021-22 season (36). They have registered the highest number of clean sheets so far (8). Jorge Diaz has scored eight goals and provided one assist. Alvaro Vazquez has eight goals and two assists as well. Prabhsukhan Gill leads the show for the Golden Glove award with 8 clean sheets.
Reaction
I am very happy very proud, says Luna
Kerala Blasters player Adrian Luna was pleased with his side reaching the ISL 2021-22 final. "I am very happy very proud. After a long wait we are into the final and hopefully we're gonna wint it. I am very happy for the team. I am very happy for the fans," he said after Blasters overcame Jamshedpur FC.
Do you know?
Blasters reach their third ISL final
The Blasters have made it to their third ISL final. They had earlier reached the final in 2014 and 2016 editions respectively, losing both the ties against ATK (now ATK Mohun Bagan).