Bengaluru FC delivered a clinical performance as they outclassed Mohun Bagan Super Giant with a commanding 3-0 victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Saturday. The Blues, under the tactical guidance of coach Simon Grayson, extended their winning streak to three matches, topping the standings and showcasing their title ambitions early in the season.
A stellar all-round display saw goals from Edgar Mendez, Suresh Singh, and a penalty conversion by veteran Sunil Chhetri, propelling Bengaluru FC to their third consecutive win and maintaining their unbeaten streak in this campaign. Meanwhile, the Kolkata giants, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match, with their defensive frailties exposed by Bengaluru’s relentless attacking pressure.
The match began with an electric atmosphere as fans from both clubs packed the stands, anticipating a thrilling encounter. Bengaluru FC wasted no time in asserting their dominance, pushing forward aggressively from the first whistle. It took just nine minutes for the Blues to make their mark, with Spanish forward Edgar Mendez opening the scoring. The 33-year-old latched onto a precise through ball from midfield and coolly slotted it past Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith. The early goal ignited the home crowd and set the tone for the rest of the match.
Bengaluru FC’s attacking play continued to cause problems for Mohun Bagan’s defense, and it wasn’t long before the hosts doubled their lead. In the 20th minute, Suresh Singh capitalized on a defensive mix-up to score the Blues’ second goal. The young midfielder displayed remarkable composure as he rifled a shot into the back of the net after pouncing on a loose ball in the box, leaving Kaith with no chance to react.
Mohun Bagan, known for their formidable lineup that includes several top-tier players, seemed disjointed in the face of Bengaluru’s high pressing game. Their attempts to play out from the back were repeatedly stifled by the relentless energy of the Blues’ midfield trio, led by Suresh Singh, Pedro Capo & Alberto Noguera. The Kolkata outfit found themselves pinned deep in their half, struggling to build any meaningful attacks.
The second half began much like the first, with Bengaluru FC dictating the tempo and searching for opportunities to extend their lead. Just six minutes into the half, the Blues were awarded a penalty following a clumsy challenge inside the box by Mohun Bagan defender Dipendu Biswas. The foul on Edgar Mendez left the referee with no choice but to point to the spot.
Up stepped Sunil Chhetri, the ever-reliable captain and talisman for Bengaluru FC. With over two decades of experience, Chhetri calmly dispatched the penalty, sending Kaith the wrong way and making it 3-0 for the Blues in the 51st minute. The goal not only made history by making Chhetri the highest goal-getter of the Indian Super League but also reaffirmed his enduring influence on the pitch, despite stepping back from international duties earlier this year.
Chhetri’s goal effectively sealed the match, leaving Mohun Bagan with an insurmountable task of mounting a comeback. Despite having quality attackers like Dimitri Petratos and Jason Cummings, Mohun Bagan failed to carve out any clear-cut chances.
The defeat marked Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s first loss of the season, dropping them to sixth place in the standings. With just one win, one draw, and one loss, Molina’s side have struggled to find consistency in their performances. The Kolkata giants, who are known for their attacking flair, were surprisingly flat in this encounter, failing to muster a single shot on target for much of the game.
Defensively, Mohun Bagan appeared vulnerable to Bengaluru’s swift counterattacks, and their midfield was overrun by the Blues’ relentless pressing. Molina will be concerned with his team’s inability to respond to adversity, as the gap between the two sides was evident throughout the 90 minutes.
Bengaluru FC will now turn their attention to their next match, confident in their form and looking to extend their lead at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan will need to bounce back quickly if they hope to stay in contention for a playoff spot, as their next match against a resurgent Odisha FC looms large.
With the season still in its early stages, there is plenty of time for both teams to achieve their goals, but for now, Bengaluru FC are setting the pace in the ISL, while Mohun Bagan must find a way to rediscover their winning formula.
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