Bengaluru FC made history as they qualified for the semi-finals of the AFC Cup thanks to a 0-0 draw against Tampines Rovers. Some resolute defending by the Blues ensured that the slender 1-0 lead they brought into the second leg was preserved.
Although Tampines started the better team, their sluggishness late on in the game meant that they just did not have the legs to break down John Johnson and co.
Here are 5 talking points from the game:
#1 Bengaluru FC could go all the way
Bengaluru FC became just the third Indian side in the history of the AFC Cup to reach the semi-finals. Based on their performances over the week, however, it is safe to say that they could go all the way. Albert Roca’s philosophy seems to have paid off and the side seems much more cultured since the time of Ashley Westwood.
The Blues will face either Al Ahed of Lebanon or Al Muharraq of Bahrain in the semi-finals and will fancy their chances of progression. Albert Roca, in his first interview for the club, had stated that the AFC Cup would be the club’s first priority and their performance in the quarter-finals would have delighted the manager for sure.
#2 Bengaluru FC’s defense is solid as a rock
The partnership of John Johnson and Juan Antonio kept Tampines out for 180 minutes. The Stags were unable to create any clear-cut chances the entire game and ran out of ideas as the game progressed.
The Blues’ defense was a problem last season but Albert Roca seems to have rectified that problem at least for the moment. 2 clean sheets bode well for the side as they begin their preparations for the I-League.
#3 Tampines’ big names went missing again in attack
Singapore fans had high expectations from Jordan Webb and Jermaine Pennant but the duo let the team down badly in both legs. The Stags have now failed to score in their last 3 encounters and offered nothing going forwards on the night.
Although the Pennant-Webb duo did start off brightly, they were easily dealt with by the Bengaluru defense as the game progressed. Webb especially was poor, often losing possession in the final third and picking poor passes.
The USA man also got booked just before the first half which added to his misery. Pennant too, cut a lonely figure on the night and was just unable to have any sort of impact on the game. The duo was also poor in the final third missing a couple of great chances to give Tampines a lead.
#4 Pressing was the key for Tampines
The Stags began well by pressing Bengaluru high up the pitch and forcing them back constantly. Without a goal to lift the side ,though, fatigue took over and they just could not find the energy reserves they needed to get past a resolute Bengaluru side.
The Singapore side was also bright at the beginning of the second half but again faded as the half wore on. Credit has to go to the Blues who just refused to cave in but Nawas.
#5 Seamless transition for Bengaluru FC
The Blues have made a brilliant transition from Ashely Westwood’s direct game to a more cultured passing approach under Albert Roca. The Spanish coach was initially concerned with the lack of preparation time and felt that his side would find it difficult to adapt to his playing style but the initial signs seem to be encouraging.
The midfield trio of Cameron Watson, Lyngdoh and Rubio were specially composed in possession and seem to have already built a solid partnership. Although some work still has to be done in terms of the attack, the defense looks to be sorted.
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