ISL 2018-19: Kerala Blasters 1-2 Bengaluru FC – 5 Talking Points

#4 Bengaluru showed their usual self

Bengaluru FC [Image: ISL]

There is hardly any team that can match Bengaluru in terms of complete display. All their three departments complement each other in a match. They attack well, defend well and control the midfield. Their nearest rival may be Jamshedpur FC, who are showing a glimmer of hope of top-four finish.

They have played only five matches, but Bengaluru FC are already on top of the table and two points ahead of their nearest rival Jamshedpur (played two matches more than Bengaluru) and NorthEast United (played the same number of matches).

Last year, Bengaluru took their lead early in the season and went to finish the group stage eight points clear than their nearest rival. There is no reason why they can’t do it this time too.

Carles Cuadrat took over as head coach this season but didn’t tinker the playing style that former coach Albert Roca introduced. Bengaluru kept maximum members of their team and picked some of the talented footballers who could provide more solidity.

Bengaluru showed the same character against Kerala Blasters, though they were a bit quiet in the first half. Against Kerala’s relentless attack, Bengaluru players were sitting deep and using the counter-attacking opportunity. They attacked in the second half but couldn’t utilise every opportunity due to a resolute defence from Kerala players.

They may be thankful to Krcmarevic for the winning goal but it doesn’t take away the effort they put in the whole match.