Debutant Bengaluru to ride on big match experience

during the first semi final 2nd leg of the Hero Indian Super League between Bengaluru FC and FC Pune City held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru, India on the 11th March 2018 Photo by: Faheem Hussain / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Bengaluru FC’s impressive record of winning a major trophy in each of their five seasons will be put to the test in the Hero Indian Super League final at Sree Kanteerava stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Having won either the I-League or Federation Cup in each of their last four seasons, Bengaluru is just a step away from winning the ISL title on debut, should they manage to get the better of Chennaiyin FC. Bengaluru FC joined the ISL only this season but have shown none of the indecisiveness or stage fright that might have plagued a newcomer.

It showed in their icy-cool performances which saw them rake up 35 goals and finish top of the league, garnering a league-high 13 wins in the process. Moreover, they qualified for the play-offs with four games to spare and were eight points clear of second-placed Chennaiyin FC.

Much of that credit has to go to the make-up of their squad which has experienced players in key positions.  “We have players who have played AFC Cup semifinals, finals, Federation Cup finals. The intention is to go out there and do our best,” said coach Albert Roca. Roca’s first choice starting XI — and the bench to an extent — has seasoned players who know what it takes to win trophies. Right from goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, a seasoned international with European experience, to the forward line which boasts of the likes of Sunil Chhetri and Miku, experience seeps through the team.

Miku, a Valencia youth product, has featured extensively in the La Liga. The 32-year-old was even named the La Liga Player of the Month for February 2016. His skills are beyond question but his maturity has seen him bring consistency and score in decisive moments. Of course, the experienced Chhetri himself is a big-game player. His exploits are well documented. Even Udanta Singh, though just 21, is an established international and has already played four seasons of top-tier football. Chhetri feels that they would want to take this as just another game and not think too much of the final.

Also Read: Hero Super Cup: ISL wooden spooners NEUFC face I-League giant killers Gokulam FC

“We don’t want the fact that it is a final, to put any pressure on us. We have been consistent in all areas of the game, but having said that, we still have so much to improve upon. It’s important that we put our best foot forward,” said Sunil Chhetri.

In midfield, Spaniard Dimas Delgado (35) and Aussie Erik Paartalu (31) have both proved themselves in the A-League while the defence is helmed by John Johnson (29) who has been at Bengaluru since their inception and has played a big role in their two I-League triumphs and 2016 AFC Cup final run. Juanan (30), the other rock in Bengaluru’s defence, boasts of experience in Real Madrid B team, Recreativo Huelva among others and has won cup honours in Hungary before landing in India.

Harmanjot Khabra (29) has won the ISL before with Chennaiyin FC. Lenny Rodrigues has been playing in India’s top-tier for a while now and has won the I-League with Churchill Brothers. Rahul Bheke (27) is a seasoned ISL player now, turning out for the likes of Kerala Blasters and FC Pune City in previous seasons. In fact, apart from Subashish Bose (22), everybody else in Roca’s first choice XI are very experienced and are winners. Even Bose has been a regular for Mohun Bagan and Sporting Clube de Goa in the last two seasons and now has been called for the national camp.

It is no wonder that Bengaluru FC have mixed resilience along with class to go unscathed through the season so far. Their big-match experience may just give them an edge against former champions Chennaiyin FC.

Also Read: MDFA to host Barcelona vs Juventus Legends game at DY Patil

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updated on Indian Football

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…

Share

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…

Share

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.

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share