I-League: Blues start in style

Bengaluru: Bengaluru FC threw down the gauntlet as they produced an efficient performance to trounce Shillong Lajong 3-0 in their I-League opener at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Saturday.

Two goals on either side of the break from Udanta Singh and a late piledriver from debutant left back Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte ensured a comfortable win for the defending champions. BFC coach Albert Roca gave starts to three new recruits with Lenny Rodrigues partnering Cameron Watson as the double pivot in midfield while Harmanjot Khabra slotted into the right back role even as Ralte started on the other side of defence.

BFC began stronger, eliciting two penalty appeals in the first 16 minutes. Lajong were resolute at the back until the first goal while going forward, there was very little on offer from the North-eastern side who often found it hard to break BFC’s high press. The opener came just before the half hour mark with Udanta opening the champions’ account for the season.

Eugeneson Lyngdoh’s corner was scuffed high and wide by Udanta. But his wayward shot was kept in well by Daniel Lalhlimpuia who sent back a searching ball which was misjudged by Vishal Kaith. The resulting goalmouth melee ended with Udanta knocking the ball in amidst a sea of players.

Growing in confidence, the home side dominated from then on with Lyngdoh, playing the number 10 role, and captain Sunil Chhetri dominating proceedings. But for all his good work, the former missed two presentable chances to put the game beyond doubt before the half time whistle. The first one came in the 40th minute, as the midfielder latched onto Chhetri’s pull back, took it past the defender but could only find the keeper.

Four minutes later, he was presented with another chance when Daniel got onto a weak clearance from Fabio Pena and picked out a free Lyngdoh in the middle of the penalty box. Again the midfielder shot at the keeper while Chhetri’s rebound form an angle shaved the post. BFC continued their dominance as Chhetri welcomed the away side into the second half with a strike that whistled past the upright.

Their dominance paid dividends as Udanta scored his and the team’s second in the 68th minute. The dynamic winger’s run through the channel was picked out by Lyngdoh, who seemingly shrugged off his rusty first half performance with a scooped ball and Udanta, who had missed a chance just a minute earlier, flicked the ball over the defender to cut in and fire into the net.

The JSW-owned side put the match beyond all doubt when Ralte, who produced an outstanding performance, smashed in a first time volley from over 30 yards to put his side 3-0 ahead 11 minutes from time.

Results
Bengaluru FC        3
Shillong Lajong     0

East Bengal    1
Aizawl FC        1