Bengaluru FC defeats Salgaocar FC to grab second I-League title in three years

Bengaluru FC are modelled after their manager Ashely Westwood in the way they approach the game of football — professional till the last. So, it made sense that they would have wanted to win the league in their first attempt — a relatively easy one it turned out — and play Monhun Bagan as champions next week.
The Blues were far too good for Salgaocar FC, winning 2-0, having controlled the game from a crowded midfield. At the end of 90 minutes, it seemed the most uncertain thing on the night was a failing floodlight just before the second half. The win was built on defensive excellence — as it has been through the season — with Curis Osano and John Johnson in the centre. The confidence in defence allowed the midfielders to play higher-up in a 4-3-3 formation, ensuring BFC won their tackles and that loose balls fell to a man in blue. Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Michael Col lins ran the midfield, while Malswamzuala dropped deep and provided the steel in defensive midfield.

Lyngdoh was in good touch, bringing the superb striker Kim Song-Yong into the game. The two were involved in first goal, in the 8th minute, as Kim ran at a cross from the left forcing Salgaocar keeper Karanjit Singh to punch the ball out hastily. Lyngdoh pounced on it in midfield and, with time to shoot, he almost rolled into the left corner. The game continued at the same even tempo with Bengaluru being given the time to pace themselves as Collins and Malswamzuala ensured no one got behind the defensive line.

Young striker Udanta Singh combined well on the left with full-back Rino Anto, to cross dangerously from the left in the first half hour. The home team, though, could not take advantage. Captain Sunil Chettri started out right, but had a difficult night. The visitors, in contrast, were isolated in the opposition half and were limited to speculative long-range shots. The Greens' striker Manandeep Singh, denied a clear run at goal, surprised keeper Amrinder Singh in the 34th minute. He turned his marker and lobbed a shot that needed to be saved. It was as close as they got on the night.

The Blues were more patient on the ball in the second half, opting to keep possession. It wasn’t until the last five minutes that they invited pressure. However, that left the Greens thin at the back. In the 87th minute, Alwyn George, on as substitute, played Chettri through down the left on the counter. He squareed it for Seminlen Doungel (on for Kim) to tap in at the far post. 2-0.