Bengaluru FC 2-1 FC Goa: 3 Reasons Why the defending champions won | ISL 2019-20

#1 Sunil Chhetri saves the day, yet again

Captain. Leader. Legend

Over the past few seasons, Sunil Chhetri has etched his name into Indian footballing folklore, courtesy his exploits with the national side and of course, Bengaluru FC.

Consequently, there have been numerous instances when the Indian skipper has come up trumps, especially when the chips have been down. And, Friday was no different as the forward chipped in with a brace, meaning that Bengaluru emerged from the rubble with a win.

For large swathes of the contest, the hosts looked second best as Goa asserted their passing identity on the match. In fact, the defending champions turned in a timid first half display, thereby allowing the visitors the wind they required in their sails.

Yet, when the Gaurs started to cast themselves in the ascendancy after the break, Chhetri morphed into Bengaluru’s Guardian Angel to thwart the away side and script another memorable victory.

In the 59th minute, the Indian darted late into the box off a corner from the left side and thumped his header into the back of the net.

25 minutes later, the hosts sprung a swift counter attack after defending a set-piece. The ball found its way to Ashique near the half-way line, where the winger held off a couple of challenges before playing the ball into the path of the onrushing Chhetri.

The Bengaluru captain took the ball in his stride and coolly laced the ball past Nawaz as the Kanteerava Stadium erupted into a rapturous applause.

Thus, through the course of another encounter, Chhetri had just emphasized his importance to Bengaluru FC. And, by single-handedly altering the narrative of a game that seemed beyond the hosts on occasions, he ensured that they started off the decade in the best possible manner.