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Bengaluru FC Media
Three weeks on the road, a season-ending injury to their talismanic captain and a last gasp penalty save to send them to the summit clash later, Bengaluru FC will look to bring home a title they won in 2015 when they take on rivals Mohun Bagan in a Federation Cup final scripted for the gallery, at the Barabati Stadium, in Cuttack, on Sunday.
The fixture marks the sixth meeting between the two rivals this season and could well be the most important one given the winners bag a spot in next season’s AFC Cup. “Sunday will be our second cup final in less than a year and it’s something we are proud to be part of. The team has shown immense character to make it to this stage and we are ready to give it one final push. I would say Bagan are the favourites with some big names on their roster and the availability of all four foreigners for this fixture. We have no problem being the underdogs,” said Roca while addressing the press on the eve of the game.
In what will be a vital miss for the Blues, midfielder Cameron Watson whose penalty sent Roca’s men to the final, won’t have any part to play in the big clash owing to a suspension. “Cameron has been an important player for us all season and his experience will be missed in the midfield. But like I’ve said before, we have enough quality on this squad and ability has never been a worry for me. Everyone on the squad knows what is at stake and I’m expecting them bring their best to the final.”
In Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru will be up against arguably one of the strongest strike forces in the country and the battle between a John Johnson-led defence and Darryl Duffy, Sony Norde and Balwant Singh will be key to how the final unfolds. “We back ourselves in defence as much as we do in attack and we’re all relishing the prospect of this clash. It’s been a tough three weeks on the road but it now all comes down to this one game and we will be giving it everything,” said Johnson who will, in all likelihood, pull on the captain’s armband.
Bengaluru’s road to the final wasn’t as smooth as Roca would have liked it to be but the Spaniard hopes his side finish things off on a high. The Blues beat Shillong Lajong 3-2 in the league-phase opener before suffering a shock 2-0 defeat to DSK Shivajians. Bengaluru then managed a 1-1 draw with Bagan which was enough to set up a semifinal clash against League champions Aizawl FC. Watson’s early penalty seemed enough to get the job done before Aizawl were awarded a penalty in the last minute of added time. But Amrinder Singh guessed correctly to keep the take out and hand Bengaluru a shot at the title.
“We’ve made it a little more difficult for ourselves than we would have liked to but that’s how football can be sometimes. What’s important is we showed character and tomorrow will be another test of it,” said Roca.
Bagan, in comparison, had it relatively easier, beating DSK 4-0, Lajong 3-2 and then handing arch rivals East Bengal a 2-0 defeat in the semifinal.
The game kicks off at 7 pm and will be beamed live on the Ten 2 network.
Bengaluru FC Media
In what will be a precursor of the Federation Cup final, a rested Bengaluru FC side will take on Mohun Bagan in a Group E game of the AFC Cup at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, in Kolkata, on Wednesday. While both Bengaluru and Maziya S&RC are level on points 9 points from 4 games, Albert Roca’s side continue to lead the group owing to a better head-to-head record over the team from the Maldives who host Abahani Dhaka Limited in the group’s earlier kick-off.
With the battle for who makes it out of the group set to go down to the last round where Bengaluru host Maziya on May 31, Roca chose to hand a fair number of players some much needed rest. “This will be our fifth game in 8 days and it’s a situation we have to manage. The heat in Cuttack has taken a lot out of the squad and it was only fair that some of the boys get time to recover before the final.Wednesday’s AFC Cup game is a great chance for the other boys on the squad who have been thorough professionals and have put their hand up whenever the team has needed them,” said Roca on the eve of the game.
While John Johnson and Harmanjot Khabra miss the fixture with suspensions, Cameron Watson hasn’t traveled after taking ill. Amrinder Singh and Juanan Gonzalez are among the other players who haven’t traveled. Skipper Sunil Chhetri has, meanwhile, made the trip back to Bengaluru to have his injury assessed by the club’s medical team.
Mohun Bagan are out of contention in the AFC Cup and given the Federation Cup final scheduled in four days from now, manager Sanjoy Sen too could hand his key players some much-needed rest.
“No matter what squad Mohun Bagan or we decide to go with, I have no illusions of this game being one where we can afford to take our foot off the pedal. The conditions will be tougher for us and I’m confident that the boys will make the most of the experience,” added Roca.
The Blues came back from a goal down to beat Bagan 2-1 in the home leg of this fixture and Roca has told his young side to draw inspiration from that night. “Bagan have always been tough competitors and both the clubs are always fighting for titles. The younger players on the team have a point to prove to me and I’m looking forward to a good show.”
The game kicks off at 7 pm.
Bengaluru FC Media
In a fixture that’s never lacked intensity, Bengaluru FC will square off against Mohun Bagan for a third straight time as the I-League resumes after a fortnight-long international break, at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, in Kolkata, on Saturday.
While the Blues’ chances of retaining the League title are all but over, coach Albert Roca believes that the need to put in a good show ahead of an important AFC Cup tie against Maziya S&RC away from home in just three days from now and the prospect of coming up against Bengaluru’s arch rivals on the domestic stage should work as enough motivation for his boys to deliver.
“We are up against Mohun Bagan and that should tell you how important this game is for us. Also, while we may not be able to finish on top of the table, we need to climb as high as possible, on it. It’s going to be a very difficult game because Bagan know that if they drop points, their title aspirations will suffer a major dent too.”
Prior to the international break, Bengaluru faced the Sanjoy Sen-coached side on consecutive occasions, as a goalless draw in the League was followed by a comeback win for the Blues in the opening game of the 2017 AFC Cup. The Spaniard has called for his side, who are in fifth place, to be competitive if they are to take anything away from Kolkata this time around.
“We are the champions of India and we will be playing like that on Saturday. There is no point coming here if we aren’t going be competitive,” said Roca, while addressing the press on the eve of the game.
Bengaluru had as many as seven players away with the national team for the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Myanmar and Roca said he still hasn’t decided the team that he will roll out against Bagan a side that sits in third place on the League table. “We play two important games in four days and I’m going to have to see how we handle this situation. What you can expect for certain is that the team that plays will be one that chases a win.”
Defender Rino Anto and goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte miss out as they continue to recover from their injuries while Mohun Bagan are boosted by the presence of Sony Norde, who trained with the side following his return from international duty with Haiti at the CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifiers.
Bengaluru FC Media
An inspired Bengaluru FC claimed a convincing 2-1 win over Mohun Bagan to begin their 2017 AFC Cup campaign with a bang, at the Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Tuesday. After conceding first from a Katsumi Yusa penalty, Sandesh Jhingan and Sunil Chhetri scored a goal each to pick up all three points in the opening match of the 2017 AFC Cup.
Roca’s two changes from the game on Saturday included starts for CK Vineeth and Salam Ranjan Singh ahead of Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Nishu Kumar as Bengaluru started out in what looked like a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The Blues had an early scare when Arindam Bhattacharya under pressure to get rid of a back pass, could clear only as far as Katsumi Yusa. It took the defence to rush back in numbers and stuff the danger out.
But just when it seemed like the teams would hit the showers without anything to show for in the first half, Bagan were awarded a penalty in the 35th minute when Jhingan’s trailing leg caught Sony Norde in the box. Arindam picked the right side but Yusa’s take was hit with enough power to fly beyond and give the Kolkata club the lead.
Finding themselves down by a goal, Bengaluru decided to dig deep and own the second half like a team possessed. Eugeneson Lyngdoh came on for Lenny Rodrigues as the Blues began pegging the Bagan defence back. And in what was poetic justice, Jhingan hit home Bengaluru’s equaliser from a well-worked set-piece in the 51st minute. Making a late run into the box, the defender met Watson’s corner with a sweet hit that flew past the defence and Shilton Paul as the Kanteerava erupted.
With their tails up and sensing fear in the Bagan ranks, Bengaluru constantly invaded the Mariners’ box with darting runs from either flank. In the 57th minute, Shilton stepped out of the box with the ball in his hand, giving the Blues a freekick in a dangerous position. Chhetri made no mistake with his effort, which pried through the Bagan wall and found the net to send the Blues faithful into frenzy.
Bengaluru had numerous chances to extend their lead. Vineeth’s cross for Lyngdoh was inches away from the midfielder’s diving header before a miscued effort from Daniel Lalhlimpuia saw the ball fizz past Paul’s frame. A free-kick from Juanan seemed like the icing on the cake for the Blues but his take was inches away from the Bagan crossbar.
Bengaluru now head into the international break before returning to face the Mariners in the I-League at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, on April 1st.
Bengaluru FC Media
Bengaluru FC will look to get their AFC Cup campaign off to the perfect start when they take on League rivals Mohun Bagan for a second time in four days at the Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
Albert Roca’s team created history last November in Doha by becoming the first Indian club to make the final of a continental competition when they played eventual champions and Iraqi side Air Force Club who edged the Blues 1-0. While Roca said his team would draw confidence from that phenomenal run, he admitted that the slate was clean and the attempt for an encore would only be tougher. “What we achieved last season in this competition was special. But now we are back to square one and we will have to work twice as hard. The fact that we made the final last year does give us confidence but it doesn’t let us take anything for granted,” said the Spaniard.
A tweak in the format this year pits two Indian clubs against each other for the first time in the competition, adding to the history that this new yet fierce rivalry Bengaluru and Bagan share.
The two sides played out an entertaining and furiously-paced 0-0 draw on Saturday and with only 48 hours to recover, it would be interesting to see whether Round Two will be as intense on the physical front. “The schedule is punishing and tomorrow’s game will be our fourth in nine days. But we’ve got work around the circumstances and deliver. We had a recovery session on Sunday and I’m confident that the boys will have enough to give what is a very important game, everything,” said Roca.
Though the Blues have been batting indifferent form in the League, there have been a fair number of positives from recent performances that Roca’s boys can take into the game on Tuesday. John Johnson’s return to the side has brought with it some much-needed stability at the back, while young Nishu Kumar has been growing in confidence with every passing game in the left-back position. Eugeneson Lyngdoh was handed a start on Saturday and the midfielder showed glimpses of the confidence he had been missing as the Blues took the fight to Bagan in an inspired second half showing.
New signing Marjan Jugovic, who has AFC experience, got close to 30 minutes on the weekend and it’s left to be seen if Roca deems him ready to start against the Kolkata club.
“The game against Bagan was a tough one but I am very pleased with the way we took the fight to a good team that is contending for the League title. Let’s hope we can finish our chances on Tuesday.”
Meanwhile Bagan will look to use the threat of winger Sony Norde who was kept quiet all evening by the Bengaluru defence. Coach Sanjoy Sen has options in attack in Jeje Lalpekhlua and Balwant Singh and the latter, in all likelihood, could be handed another start.
AIFF Media
Bengaluru FC Media
A pleasant evening at the Garden City witnessed the duel between winners of the last two editions of Hero I-League. Bengaluru FC despite playing with one-man advantage for good 30-minutes, failed to break Bagan defense the match ended in a 0-0 draw.
Also, it was a duel of sorts between the hundreds of Green and Maroon fans who travelled across the country and the home grown Blues’ supporters who flocked to the fortress to see their team’s win.
Mohun Bagan kicked-off from left to right. Playing with a 4-4-2 formation - Darryl Duffy and Balwant Singh on the attack.
The visitors made the first positive move in 4th minute orchestrated from the left flank. BFC got their initial chance in the 8th minute when Captain Sunil Chhetri fouled in the top of the 18-yard box, however the shot went wide.
Earlier, Bengaluru continued with the same starting eleven from their last round match (against Chennai City FC) keeping Serbian Marjan Jugovic on the bench.
Exchanging attacks Duffy took a nice lurking shot in the 18th minute, Bengaluru keeper Arindam put his fingertips to avoid the danger.
Attacking football from both ends made the game beautiful for the fans.
Keeper Arindam again came in action when Katsumi’s free-kick from a close position, which he earned from a foul that Balwant connected spectacularly saved.
It was the Japanese Katsumi Yusa seen spearheading maximum attacks from the right flank for the visitors. Scot Duffy seen coming close to goal
Bagan kept on adding pressure for most of the first half, missing target in few occasions.
Back in the game post lemon break, Bengaluru pressed hard in Bagan defense, garnering couple of free-kicks and corners with no positive outcome.
66th minute saw a brilliant thru from Katsumi for Haitian international Sony Norde that had goal written on it, unfortunately called offside.
Few minute later Bagan suffered a big jolt when left back Subhasis Bose was given marching order by referee Srikrishna. Coach Sen promptly replaced striker Duffy with Prabir Das, playing as left full-back.
High time for Bengaluru to put pressure on Bagan defense with one man advantage.
A header from Sony Norde’s free-kick was put on the back of the Bengaluru’s net much to the joy of the Bangan crowd piled on the lower East Block. However, referee cancelled out owing to an infringement on keeper.
The final five minutes saw a barrage of attack from the blues, but the Bagan defense kept calm and avoided late danger.
Bengaluru FC keeper Arindam Bhattacharya took away the Hero of the Match.
Bengaluru FC Media
AIFF Media
After witnessing a freaky Round 13 where all the home teams failed to register a win, Bengaluru FC take on Mohun Bagan tomorrow at their fortress Sree Kanterava Stadium.
Bengaluru failing to register an away win against newbie Chennai City FC have been without their first choice keeper Amrinder for a while. The required understanding between defense is yet to build - resulting the first goal in their last match.
Averting a close call against Mumbai FC at home, Bagan came in the Garden City sans custodian and most consistent performer of previous two seasons Debjit, out injured in the last match and medio Pranoy Halder.
Bengaluru returning late evening yesterday (after playing Chennai) opted for evening practice today while Mohun Bagan practiced in the morning at the venue.
Speaking to media in the pre-match press conference, Bengaluru coach, Albert Roca in his customary manner termed tomorrow’s encounter as a tough game, “Mohun Bagan is in title contention, they’ve come here to fight for three points. Also, it is time for us to play well and ensure we win.”
Now that the hope of retaining Hero I-League is fading away, are they in a dilemma to focus on the AFC game, which they will be playing against the same opponent three days later?
“We always focus on our very next game. In our mind, we have the first game (tomorrow) to fight, and then we’ll take the next game. ” opined the Spaniard.
He further added, “We’ve been generating lot of chances, but most important is to score - we need to be more aggressive inside the 18-yard box, strikers should score more goals.”
Bengaluru have been fairly unlucky, few of their goals in away matches have been disallowed. Coach, not sounding frustrated, said, “We will not surrender, we will keep working, keep trying, and let’s see how we change our luck!”
The champions of two seasons back, Mohun Bagan have task cut out should they want to be in title contention. Coach Sanjoy Sen is under immense pressure after giving away 5 points in last two rounds.
“Priority is 3 points - this is important for us to stay afloat for championship and definitely I-League is our priority!”
Adding to the misery is the last two matches where team took lead and conceded two quick goals. However, what is comforting Sen is the performance of second-half in their last match, and hopes to continue that performance tomorrow.
Sen feels that there’s no added pressure, “Teams from Kolkata always play for championship, now we have an addition in Bengaluru FC, who too are doing well. Of course there is pressure, but we’ve to overcome it by playing well, scoring and winning.”
Defense seems to be the main worry and they’ve failed to hold lead many a times. There’s a long list of injured defenders in Raju Gaikwad, Kinshuk Debnath, and Kean Lewis.
An exciting match in prospect as Bengaluru FC have never beaten Mohun Bagan at their fortress and failed to muster in previous two seasons.
The match is scheduled at 7:05 pm and will be telecast live on Ten 2 television channel.
