XtraTime Web Desk – 200th match for a Bengaluru FC and what a way to put it on the record books. The 36-year old veteran put 2 past Mumbai City defence as Bengaluru FC registered an important victory.
Bengaluru defeated Mumbai for the first time since January 2018 and what a start they had. Cleiton Silva scored within the first minute and thus scored the quickest goal of this year’s Indian Super League. Bengaluru made their intention clear from the the very first minute.
Mumbai being a team who believes in attacking football, didn’t sit back. They countered well and countered quick. Gurpreet was brilliant under the bars and denied few efforts. Just when Mumbai thought of blowing back, Bengaluru scored their 2nd in the 22nd minute and once again it was Cleiton Silva who did the job.
Mumbai, being one of the best team defensive wise was awestruck conceding two quick goals. However, Mumbai City FC was hopeful for a comeback.
Sergio Lobera made a tactical change in the 35st minute as he brought in Jackichand Chand replacing Rowliin Borges. In the 37th minute, Fall came very close to pull one back for Mumbai but Gurpreet made a brilliant stop to keep the ball out. The half ended 2-0 in favour of Bengaluru but every football fan knew that the second half was going to be more interesting!
Mumbai City FC picked an early goal going into the second half. Adam Le Fondre scored for Mumbai and gave them a strong chance to make a comeback but Bengaluru had other things in mind.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu became the third goalkeeper in the history of Indian Super League to assist. His long ball was brilliantly controlled by Sunil Chhetri who finished very calmly to extend Bengaluru’s lead to 3-1 in the 57th minute.
The match took another turn in the 72nd minute when Adam Le Fondre scored his second goal to give Mumbai a chance to come back. Mumbai kept the possession and created many attacks but Gurpreet was having a great night under the bars even though he conceded 2. His opposite goalkeeper Amrinder Singh as well had a tough night but certain saves he made was Very crucial in the context of the game.
Bengaluru sealed the deal in the 94th minute when captain fantastico’s brilliant goal gave Bengaluru a 2 goal cushion. No one could stop his solo run and in the end with a beautiful chip finished the game for Bengaluru.
As Bengaluru won the game, the league is now wide open. They are 6th in the table with 22 points from 18 games while Mumbai couldn’t go up and remained in the second position with 34 points from 17 games.