Margao, Nov 26 (IANS): FC Goa romped to a 3-0 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in Match 41 of the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here Wednesday.

After a closely-fought but goalless first half, Goa broke the game open after the break, with three second-half goals, courtesy a brace by substitute Miroslav Slepicka on either side of an Andre Santos strike.

This was Goa’s third clean sheet in a row, and their fifth game unbeaten. The loss ended Kerala five-game unbeaten run.

With the victory, Goa leapfrogged Kerala into the third place, courtesy of a superior goal difference. They next play NorthEast United FC Dec 1 in their final home game, while Kerala host league-leaders Chennaiyin FC Nov 30.

Goa were the team more likely to score throughout the match, attacking Kerala from the very start.

They were lively going forward, and kept Blasters goalkeeper David James busy.

Goa’s attacking quartet of Tolgay Özbey, Zohib Amiri, Mandar Rao Desai, and Andre Santos all came close to scoring.

The first half was barren but two goals in six minutes after the hour-mark broke the Blasters’ resistance. Slepicka gave Goa the lead and minutes later, he set up Santos, who slotted home from close range to put Goa 2-0 ahead.

As Kerala looked to get back into the game, they committed more men forward and got hit on the break, with Slepicka getting his second to confirm victory for the visitors.