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What's the story?
In a moment to rejoice for Indian football fans and particularly Bengaluru FC fans, the Bengaluru-based franchise, who are currently participating in the 2017 Indian Super League, moved up the rankings to be placed 49th as per the latest rankings released by the Asian Football Confederation, becoming the first Indian club to be ranked so high.
In case you didn't know...
Bengaluru FC have grown into one of the biggest football clubs in the country led by Sunil Chhetri and enjoy a massive fan base. Having participated only in the I-League in the past few years, Bengaluru FC are making their debut in the ISL in 2017 under head coach Albert Roca.
The heart of the matter
Created in 2013, Bengaluru FC play their home matches at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. Two-time winners of the I-League, BFC made their debut appearance in the ISL this year.
Bengaluru happen to be the only Indian-based team inside the Top 50 while the next best-placed team is Mohun Bagan in 79th place followed by Churchill Brothers in 106th place, the now defunct Pune Football Club in 110th place and East Bengal FC in the 123rd place.
Currently participating in the Indian Super League, BFC have enjoyed a memorable season so far with three wins from four games while their only loss came against FC Goa. Australian import Erik Paartalu has been the wrecker-in-chief for Bengaluru with three goals in four games and has been instrumental in the side's success so far.
What's next?
Following a hard-fought win against NorthEast United FC, Bengaluru FC will travel to Pune to battle hosts FC Pune City in their next game before the Blues face Chennaiyin FC and Jamshedpur FC in back-to-back matches at home.
Author's take
Given the massive fan base that brings the best out of the Bengaluru FC players, it comes as no surprise that the Albert Roca-coached BFC side have made a massive mark in the Asian circuit and rule the roost among the Indian teams in the AFC rankings.
