Bengaluru rekindles semi-final hopes with a 2-1 triumph over Odisha
Goals from Danish Farooq and Cleiton Silva helped Bengaluru edge past Odisha by a 2-1 margin in ‘Match 97’ of the 2021-22 Indian Super League season. This win keeps the Blues in contention for a semi-final spot.
Bengaluru head coach Marco Pezzaiuoli opted for an attacking approach for this game. Roshan Naorem returned to the starting XI after serving his one-game suspension, whilst Pratik Chaudhari, Prince Ibara, and Ajay Chhetri were also handed starts.
On the other hand, Odisha head coach Kino Garcia reintroduced Lalruatthara at Hendry Antonay’s expense after the completion of his suspension period, whilst Victor Mongil returned to partner Hector Rodas at the heart of the defense. Besides that, Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Nandhakumar Sekar replaced Redeem Tlang and Aridai Cabrera respectively.
Odisha had a positive start as Jonathas delivered a cross for Nandhakumar in the 5th minute, but the latter’s header lacked direction. Bruno Ramires then came close to scoring as he swiped a shot from a distance in the very next minute, but his effort was not on target either.
The initial pressure from the Kalinga Warriors eventually resulted in a goal two minutes later when Jonathas found himself in space in the penalty area, owing to a horrendous defensive error by Pratik. While the Brazilian’s shot was saved by the Blues’ custodian Lara Sharma, Nandhakumar tucked home the rebound to hand his team an early lead in a crucial game.
Pezzaiouli’s team equalized in the 31st minute, courtesy of a goal from in-form midfielder Danish Farooq. Roshan’s delivery from a corner found Farooq at the far post, who did brilliantly the jump the highest and head the ball past Kamaljit Singh in the Odisha goal.
The Kalinga Warriors had a gilt-edged chance of reclaiming the lead just before half-time when Jonathas received a ball on the left flank. The former Hannover 96 striker attempted a curler but he failed to make a proper connection.
Immediately in the next minute, Nandhakumar found himself at the receiving end of a pass from Javi and even though he managed to round past Lara, a heavy touch made the angle acute and all the Tamil Nadu lad could find is the side netting
The second half had a vibrant start as only three minutes after the resumption, Lalruatthara pushed Udanta Singh down inside the penalty area, handing the Blues a great chance to take the lead from a penalty. Cleiton took the responsibility on his shoulders and struck the bottom left corner with aplomb, whilst sending Kamaljit in the wrong direction.
The Blues almost had a third only four minutes later when Ibara outfoxed Sahil Panwar with his silky footwork to venture into the penalty box, but his effort was partially saved by Kamaljit. However, the rebound landed kindly for Bruno whose shot stayed out after hitting the woodwork.
Lara Sharma made a few crucial saves for Bengaluru
It was then Odisha’s turn to find the post in the 75th minute when Isaac Vanmalsawma went for glory, but Lara came up with a fingertip to deflect the shot onto the woodwork. The last quarter was all about the Blues’ stern defense as they saw out a crucial 2-1 win against the Kalinga Warriors.
Odisha’s semi-final hopes seem to be as good as over with this win. They remain at the seventh position and will now face ATK Mohun Bagan on Thursday, whereas fifth-placed Bengaluru’s next match is coincidentally against the Mariners as well, which will be played on Sunday.