Bengaluru posts comfortable win to go on top of the table

by FC August 4, 2024

Former champions Bengaluru FC secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over I-League outfit Inter Kashi in Group B of the 133rd Indian Oil Durand Cup at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBK).

The goals were scored by Spanish recruits Edgar Mendez and Alberto Noguera Ripoll, with the final strike coming from their talisman Sunil Chhetri. The Blues, after their opening four-goal win against the Indian Navy, maintained a 100% record, while Inter Kashi, who drew their first game against Mohammedan Sporting, will look to win big in their final group game to harbor hopes of progressing.

First Half:

Gerard Zaragoza made a couple of changes to his starting eleven, with one of them, Mendez, bringing dividends in the first half itself. Mendez scored a calm, composed penalty, wrong-footing Subham Dhas in the Kashi goal. Talisman Sunil Chhetri started on the bench but was brought on in the second half. Izumi Arata, the Kashi gaffer, trusted the same eleven that won a point against Mohammedan Sporting in their first game.

Inter Kashi struggled to get a shot on goal in the first half as Bengaluru FC took control of possession and launched most of the attacking forays. Inter Kashi’s defense held strong until Panicker’s discretion in bringing the ball down with his chest inside the box cost them dearly. The referee pointed to the spot, and Mendez broke the deadlock.

Second Half:

After the break, Zaragoza introduced all his big guns, including Jorge Peryra Diaz and Ryan Williams, besides Chhetri, which instantly increased the Blues’ intensity. Chhetri had two chances to score within minutes of coming on.

Bengaluru FC had to wait until the 77th minute for their second goal. Ripoll, who had been brilliant in midfield, finished a move he initiated. He found Chhetri making a run inside the box on the right, who crossed for Peryra Diaz to back-heel to Ripoll, who had followed the move. The Spanish midfielder made no mistake with a right-footed finish past Dhas.

The third goal came soon after when Chhetri nonchalantly rushed to the near post off a corner and leaped to direct his header down perfectly, beating Dhas again. It could have been worse for Inter Kashi, but Ryan Williams missed a penalty when Anand Usuda brought him down inside the box.

This victory solidifies Bengaluru FC’s position at the top of Group B with a perfect record. Their commanding performance, led by their Spanish recruits and talismanic captain, showcased their depth and tactical superiority. Inter Kashi, despite a resilient defense, will need a significant win in their final group game to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.

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