Chhetri stars with brace as Bengaluru FC punish sloppy Pune City
A quick-fire first-half brace from Sunil Chhetri and another powerful finish from Miku set up a majestic 3-0 win for Bengaluru FC against FC Pune City in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) clash at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Pune, on Monday.
Bengaluru led 2-0 at the breather with Chhetri striking in the 41st and 43rd minute while Venezuelan striker Miku completed the rout in the 64th minute. The win saw Bengaluru FC race to the top of the table with seven points and a better goal difference compared to NorthEast United FC, while Pune have just one point after three matches.
Bengaluru FC were the early aggressors and had an opportunity to score in the 15th minute when Matt Mills’ poor first-touch allowed Miku to nick the ball off the defender. The Venezuelan striker dribbled into the box before curling the ball over the bar from a tight angle.
Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh used his height to great effect to keep out a dipping free-kick effort by Marcelinho. The Brazilian’s stunning take looked destined to hit the top right corner of the net but the Blues custodian dived to his left to pull off a terrific save. As the two sides stood tight at the back, clear-cut chances were hard to come by. Dimas Delgado’s in-swinging corner-kick found Chhetri unmarked in the centre of the box but the striker’s header was straight at the goalkeeper.
Bengaluru’s best chance of the half came in the 40th minute when Udanta Singh was released down the right flank by Miku. The winger crossed perfectly for Chhetri in the centre whose effort struck agonisingly wide from close range. The Blues skipper made amends for his miss with a goal a minute later. He beat Pune’s offside trap to receive Delgado’s long diagonal from the right and placed a neat finish past goalkeeper Vishal Kaith to give his side the lead.
Chhetri doubled his side’s lead within two minutes. Another long ball from the back was poorly cleared by the Pune defence. Miku pounced on the loose ball before releasing Chhetri into the box who skipped past Sarthak Golui’s challenge to complete the move.
Soon after the restart, the visitors threatened again. Udanta intercepted a pass and lobbed the ball over the defence for Miku to chase but the striker, once he got to the byline, took too long to cross and the delay allowed Martin Diaz to slide in with a tackle. Miku’s physical prowess and persistence helped Bengaluru add their third goal in the 64th minute. A long punt forward by Albert Serran fell to Miku who outmuscled Sahil Panwar and slammed home.
Pune almost came up with an immediate response at the other end. Rahul Bheke failed to clear a long ball and Diego Carlos pounced onto it before sending a ferocious attempt that struck the outside of the post and sailed out.
Also Read: Keepers err as ATK, Jamshedpur FC game ends in stalemate
Also Read: Resilent Delhi rescue a point at the death
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updated on Mumbai & Indian Football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
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…