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On a night where the Kerala Blasters needed all three points to stay in contention for the ISL playoffs, Bengaluru's make-shift defence managed to keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 win at the Kanteerava Stadium on Thursday night that effectively ended the Blasters' hopes of qualifying.
Two injury time goals from Miku and Udanta Singh consigned David James' side to a finish outside the top four. The game between Jamshedpur and FC Goa now becomes a virtual quarter-final.
Bengaluru's regular centre-backs Juanan and John Johnson sat out this game after accumulating one yellow card too many and Albert Roca deployed Subhasish Bose and midfielder Erik Paartalu in central defence.
The centre-back role is not unfamiliar territory for Paartalu, however. Despite the makeshift defence, the table toppers managed to keep a clean sheet against the visitors.
"I've played there (centre-back) a few times in my career," Paartalu said after the game. The last time I played there for Bengaluru was in the AFC Cup against Istiklol in the semi-finals (2017). I've played there before.
"It's a different position for me but it's something I enjoy. To be out there on the pitch I'll play anywhere."
There were a couple of nervy moments in the first half when Kerala Blasters did fashion a few chances to score, only to be let down by their finishing. CK Vineeth had managed to find space in the box throughout the game but just couldn't get a good shot on target.
"It takes a while [to get used to each other]," Paartalu explained. "We haven't really trained in that formation with that personnel.
"Yes, it took a couple of minutes to get used to it but I think it was pretty comfortable in the end and hopefully it gives the coach something to think about for the semi-finals."
Also read: Bengaluru must remain humble and work harder in semis, says coach Albert Roca
Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh also credited the defence as the Blues kept their third clean sheet in the last four league games.
"Kerala are a quality side," the Blues goalkeeper said. "But I didn't think we were ever on the backfoot. Yes, they had their chances but we handled them pretty well.
"If you see, our main centre-backs were not playing. But it didn't seem like much of a problem in the end, to be honest. The boys who played gave their everything and played their heart out."
Paartalu praises Bengaluru support
The Bengaluru FC fans (aka the West Block Blues) had unfurled a number of banners during the game, taking a dig at their south Indian rivals. But there was one particular banner which was made specially for Paartalu with the words - Big Erik! 24".
And did Paartalu see the banner? "Yeah!" he said, laughing.
"The supporters have been fantastic. And I know they'll continue to support us throughout the final series of games and we're going to need them
"We all feel the love, so we are very, very appreciative," he concluded.
