Bengaluru FC defeated Odisha FC 2-1 to climb up to fifth place in the ISL table. Here are the three key talking points from the game.
By the skin of their teeth
Bengaluru FC had to fight hard to get the lead after falling behind in the 8th minute, due to a goal from Nandhakumar Sekar. But at the half-hour mark, Danish Farooq was able to give the team the equaliser. He scored his third ISL goal when Bengaluru FC needed it, and was named the Hero of the Match as well.
In the second half, Cleiton Silva converted a penalty to earn the lead, and that ultimately proved to be the difference maker.
Not according to the plan for OFC
It was a must-win game for Odisha, but their loss means that they are realistically out of the race for the top four. OFC were failing to get their rhythm in the game, and the chances they created were not put away either. And now, they have dropped three key points in the game.
With Mumbai City FC, Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters all competing for one spot, it is expected to be a very close call in the end.
Bengaluru FC hanging in the race by a thread
Marco Pezzaiuoli praised his team for still being in the top four race, although their chances of making it through are very slim. The win will maintain pressure on the other teams, and puts Bengaluru FC in a strong position if any other teams slip up.