Bengaluru FC earned a 1-0 advantage in their semi-final tie against Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena, and will play the second game with the upper hand.
Sunil Chhetri scored the only goal of the game after coming off the bench near the hour mark. The forward scored his second goal in as many games, stepping up when the team needed him once again. This time, he headed the ball past Phurba Lachenpa in the 78th minute following a corner.
Bengaluru FC earn advantage over Mumbai City FC in semi-final clash
As they have throughout the season, Mumbai City FC dominated possession and tried their best to control the game. But an in-form Bengaluru FC made it difficult for the Islanders to break through the defence and find the goal.
The visitors created the most threatening chances during the game, and forced their opponents to play outside the box. Their disciplined defending helped neutralise City’s unmatched attacking threat.
The tie is not over by any means, especially considering that the best team in the division is in the conversation. They have scored the most goals in the league this season, and could produce a champions’ performance when they take to the field in the second leg.
Bengaluru FC, on the other hand, will cruise in with momentum, having made it ten straight wins in the ISL. The return leg will be played at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Sunday, March 12.
