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Ten-man Bengaluru mounted a stupendous comeback to secure a 4-2 win over Mohun Bagan in the semi-finals of the Indian Super Cup on Tuesday.
Forward, Miku's scored a sublime hat-trick post Bagan's opener from Dika and ensured BFC safe passage into the final where they will meet East Bengal. Sunil ended the match with a stunning goal from range. Here are the major talking points from tonight's entertaining clash.
#1 Yuta Kinowaki turns on the style for Bagan
Mohun Bagan started today's game positively, springing passes right and left from minute one. Their players weren't afraid to keep the ball and at the heart of their attacks was Yuta Kinowaki.
The Japanese midfielder was ever so calm in the middle of the park. He positioned himself around the centre circle and orchestrated his teams attacks all day long. Displaying clever feet, he never let Bengaluru's players harry him off the ball and shielded it extremely well. His last minute feigns were a delight to watch.
Every now and then, Kinowaki drifted deep into his half when starved off possession. Without him in the thick of things, Bagan lacked the fluidity when venturing forward. Yuta kept it simple and was alert throughout the game.
#2 Bengaluru's front three combine well
While it was Mohun Bagan who started the game on a better now, slowly but steadily, Bengaluru FC's influence on the game grew by the minute. Post the initial sluggish start, Sunil Chhetri, Miku and Udanta began to take the game to their opponents at will.
Bengaluru's trio combined well and played through each other with a lot of efficiency. At times, Sunil and Udanta played some clever one-two's down the right wing. Udanta did well to play some clever cutbacks to his captain inside the box.
Miku then entered the fray and partnered up with Sunil from a more central position. One thing was common among all three - neither of them pondered on the ball for too long and displayed immaculate first touches which kept Bagan's markers alert throughout the game.
#3 Bagan cleverly slow down the game when under pressure
Two sides with very distinct approaches locked horns today. Bengaluru FC were extremely quick off the block and attempted to find the shortest route to the other goal. Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, were far more thoughtful when venturing forward.
As the game progressed, Bengaluru's dominance came to the fore and Bagan looked out of shape in their attempt to win back the ball. The structure which was rigid early on went missing as the minutes passed.
But credit to Bagan for holding their own. Their players were extremely clever and slowed down the play considerably when things seemed to be getting out of hand. Eze Kingsley, Nikhil Kadam, Cameron Watson and Kinowaki all played their part in slowing things down when Bengaluru attempted to up the tempo.
#4 Dependable Dicka gives Bagan the lead
24 goals in the last two I-League seasons, top scorer this year with 13 goals, a brace against Churchill Brothers in the round of 16, if there was one player in this Bagan side who would score, it had to be Dipanda Dicka.
The number 9 scored a typical poachers goal to give his side the lead, late into the first half. Akram pounced on the loose ball inside the box and whipped in an inch-perfect pass for Dicka who had an open goal at his mercy. That was probably the easiest goal he would have scored in his career.
Bengaluru's back four were caught ball watching and Bagan made the most of their complacency. While it wasn't particularly against the run of play, it was BFC who were creating the better chances. Their opposition displayed their quality when it mattered.
#5 Miku's terrific hat-trick turns the tide on it's head
Despite going down to 10 men after Nishu was sent off in the second half, Bengaluru FC mounted a stupendous comeback. Starman, Miku scored two quickfire goals to give BFC an unexpected lead. Mohun Bagan were left reeling after conceding two back to back goals.
As surprising as it may sound, Bengaluru played with a lot more intent after being reduced to 10 men on the pitch. For the first one, Miku put his laces through and scored a sublime goal from inside the box.
In almost a carbon copy of his first, BFC won a free kick and took it quickly while Bagan's players were switched off. Toni cleverly released Miku who once again kept his calm and slotted the ball past Shilton, giving his side a 2-1 lead much against the run of play.
He then topped his day off with a third from the spot kick. Credit to the Venezuelan for not throwing in the towel despite not being awarded a clear-cut penalty just minutes before.
