JOIN USWith defending champions Bengaluru FC taking on debutants Chennai City FC in Bengaluru, it was widely expected that the hosts would ease to a victory.
It was eventually a 2-0 win for the Blues but the scoreline was, by no means, a reflection of what panned out on the pitch.
Chennai's resolute defending frustrated Bengaluru for 77 minutes before the deadlock was broken. Visiting coach Robin Charles Raja credited his players with their execution of plans.
“It is not easy when you are facing Bengaluru FC in the second game of your campaign. But I am proud of how the boys executed the plans for 77 minutes.” A relieved BFC coach Albert Roca, who pulled off a tactical master-class after two of his substitutions, Roby Norales and CK Vineeth, worked, said, "I always knew that once the opposition tires, we have a chance with the sort of players we had on the bench.”
The Spaniard had previously said that he will not rush Honduran Norales into the side but after Saturday's performance, he changed his view on the situation. “We initially did not want to rush him in because he still getting used to the language and other things. But after today's performance we will probably look at integrating him into the side quicker.”