Bengaluru FC sizzles to 2-0 win on ISL debut

Bengaluru FC fans turned up in record numbers to witness the kick-start of their Hero Indian Super League (ISL) history with a confident win over Mumbai City FC at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Eduardo Garcia Martin of Bengaluru FC celebrates a goal during match 4 of the Hero Indian Super League between Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC
Photo by: Vipin Pawar / ISL / SPORTZPICS
Such was Bengaluru’s attacking prowess that a 2-0 score line flattered the visitors as 17,796 fans bounced in the stands to start a new era for the former Hero I-League club.
Mumbai City FC managed to see off a flurry of corners up until the 67th minute, when Bengaluru worked one short to see Edu Garcia cut inside on to his left foot to send a low shot past Amrinder Singh’s near-post. Sunil Chhetri then capitalised on a mistake from Mumbai ’keeper Amrinder and defender Mehrajuddin Wadoo to score the second in added time. The India captain didn’t celebrate against his former club but certainly deserved his name on the score sheet.
But while Alberto Roca will be pleased with the cohesion his side showed, he will be worried with the number of chances they wasted. Venezuelan striker Miku was the recipient of delightful through-balls from both Sunil Chhetri and Udanta Singh, but failed to make any of his opportunities count. Chhetri and Udanta were particularly impressive, threatening to break forward with speed and intelligence.
Both teams may have gone 0-0 at halftime despite Bengaluru creating a host of chances in the first 30 minutes. Chhetri saw the first glimpse of goal from a Miku cross but his first-time side-footer whizzed over the bar. The skipper then wove his way from the left to pull one back for Miku, but it was cut away before the striker could pull the trigger. Chhetri also put Udanta Singh down the right channel but the explosive winger’s shot soared over the bar. Amid all this, Mumbai City defender Rozario was lucky enough not to be sent off for a blatant forearm slash on Udanta.
Also Read: Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC: Strengths, Weakness and Players to watch out
Mumbai City FC managed only one shot on target, with Gurpreet Singh having little to do apart from bat away some deep crosses. Last year’s table-toppers got their best chance in the 54th minute when Everton Santos twisted and turned to open his body for a right-footed shot, only to see it blocked by a resilient Bengaluru defence.
Mumbai City’s fans will take heart from the fact that they were playing against the most settled and experienced side in the Hero ISL – given that this Bengaluru side has already played competitive football in continental competition. But that will only be a consolation – Mumbai City looked clueless going forward at most times and will need to do better to replicate last year’s performance.
Also Read: Chennaiyin FC vs FC Goa produces what it promised
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates on Indian Football
Mumbai Strikers SC look to forge ahead with resilience after a tough start against Mumbai City FC
In the bustling football landscape of Mumbai, one club, Mumbai Strikers SC, has been a constant presence for a remarkable 25 years. Mumbai Strikers SC, recently faced a formidable challenge…
AIFF announces updated Asian Games squad, senior players added
The AIFF, on Friday, September 15, 2023, announced that senior India player and key defender Sandesh Jhingan will be joining the Indian squad for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou,…
Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
Manisha Kalyan: The first-girl of Indian football making waves in Europe
Manisha Kalyan, over the last few years, has not only become one of the key players for the Indian Women’s Team, but she has also gone on to make a…
AFC Champions League: Nassaji Mazandaran outclass Mumbai City FC in Pune
In an intense encounter at Balewadi Stadium, Mumbai City FC faced off against Nassaji Mazandaran in the AFC Champions League game with latter ultimately emerging victorious with a 2-0 win….
62nd edition of Subroto Cup to kick off tomorrow
New Delhi, September 18, 2023: The 62nd Edition of the prestigious Subroto Cup International Football Tournament, will kick off on September 19, 2023, with the Junior Girls (U 17) matches beginning first….
ISL 2023-24 celebrates the growth of Indian football in a landmark 10th-year campaign
The ISL 10th-year campaign, which has been launched across India, celebrates the enduring power of football to unite a nation Mumbai September 15th, 2023: With the landmark 10th season of the Indian…
Mumbai City all set for Asian Champions League
Mumbai City FC are one sleep away before they kick off a landmark 2023-24 season – a second consecutive appearance in the prestigious AFC Champions League The Islanders kick off…
AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup / India U-17 women / Women Football
Priya PV announces 23-member squad for AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualification Round 2
Head coach Priya PV, on Thursday, September 14, 2023, announced a 23-member squad for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualification Round 2, Indonesia 2024. The tournament will be played…
Manchester City kicks off the Treble Trophy tour in India
Manchester City kicks Off the treble trophy tour in India as the four trophies are displayed at the Venbanad lake in Kochi Kochi, 22nd September 2023: Manchester City kicked off…
ISL launches its own ISL Fantasy game for fans
The season-long format will have 100 players winning prizes totalling over INR 12 Lakh, including a Sony PlayStation®5 gaming console Get ready to embrace an exciting opportunity that will deepen…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…
Sunday Boys to hold trials for MFA 1st Division
MFA 1st division side Sunday Boys FC will be conducting trials in the first week of November for the upcoming football season Sunday Boys Football Club was established in the…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Millat FC to hold trials for MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season Millat had a decent run in…