Gokulam crash out, leaving Blasters as only Kerala team in Super Cup

Kerala Blasters remain Kerala's only hope in the ongoing Super Cup in Bhubaneswar following the exit of Gokulam Kerala on Monday. Kozhikode-based Gokulam crashed out after a 3-0 defeat to FC Goa.

Spanish forward Iker Guarrotxena (23 (p), 35, 71 minutes) scored a brilliant hat-trick to knockout Gokulam. The I-League side were the only other Kerala club in the knockout competition.

The Blasters made a brilliant start on Sunday with a 2-0 win over East Bengal. Jesus Jimenez and Noah Sadaoui scored in the Blasters' first competitive game under new head coach David Catala. The Blasters will play ISL champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the quarterfinals on April 26.

Gokulam entered the contest after a disappointing end to their league campaign. They were among four sides that went into the final matchday with a chance to win the I-League title but lost at home to Dempo SC (3-4).

Goa went ahead from a penalty converted by Guarrotxena after Salam Ranjan Singh fouled Dejan Drazic in the box. Guarrotxena doubled the lead 12 minutes later when he turned in a cross from Aakash Sangwan.

Gokulam dominated possession in the second half and struck the crossbar once, but it was Goa who added a third. Guarrotxena received the ball in the box and calmly guided it past the keeper.