Blues in search of spark: Saturday’s match ideal opportunity for Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru: Bengaluru FC’s title ambitions took an early hit in the Indian Super League season as the 2019 champions lost out on four points. Placed 7th on the points table, they now head to Kolkata to take on a struggling Mohammedan SC on Saturday.

Ideally, five points in first three matches isn’t a poor start to a season. However, given the short nature of this ISL edition (13 matches per side) and when you see the defending champions Mohun Bagan already pulling away with four consecutive wins, it’s hard not to feel concerned. 

The worries further pile on as BFC have struggled to dominate against teams placed below them despite having the luxury of playing at their own den. The 0-2 defeat against Punjab FC, especially how the hosts were outplayed in all facets of the game, made all of BFC’s troubles too apparent. 

Saturday’s match presents an ideal opportunity for BFC to not just gain some winning momentum against an all-domestic line-up but also sort out their glaring issues in many departments, primarily offence.

While the creative outlets largely have been able to put the ball in open spaces in the offensive third, an unconvincing show by their first-choice striker Sivasakthi N in the last two games followed by an ageing Sunil Chhetri’s open-net miss off the bench have left a lot to be desired. 

“It could have been a different game if we didn’t miss our chances in the last game,” said coach Renedy before leaving with his team for Kolkata on Wednesday. 

“But I will like to take the positives from the last defeat. We did play a much better second half and were able to open up chances. We need more of that going forward.”

In a further boost for the coach and his team, their leading centre-back Rahul Bheke has rejoined training after missing last two games due to knee injury and should bring back the experience to the backline that appeared shaky in his absence.