It’s likely one of the more understated matchups in the Indian Super League, but the clash between Bengaluru and Mohun Bagan SG has always been electrifying.
The reigning champions arrived in Bangalore ready for battle at the Kanteerava Stadium, unaware that Zaragoza had been keeping tabs on them.
Bagan’s lineup featured some changes. Suryavanshi replaced Thapa, and Cummings came in for Liston Colaco.
These adjustments made Bagan’s attack heavier in the center but limited their threat on the left. However, they had strong quality in the middle with Petratos, Cummings, and Stewart all occupying key positions.
Bengaluru opted for a foreign defender, Jovanovic, and Sunil Chhetri led the attack in place of Pereyra Diaz from the team that faced Hyderabad.
Bengaluru’s Early Dominance
The trend of the game was pretty obvious from the initial exchanges. Bagan looked baffled and Bengaluru seemed focused.
Bengaluru pressed high on goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, aiming to exploit his struggles with playing out from the back. Chhetri relentlessly pressured Kaith, forcing him into long passes, effectively turning ball possession into duels and cutting off Bagan’s midfield.
Despite Apuia’s efforts to drop back for support, Bagan couldn’t risk playing the ball out against Zaragoza’s high press.
Bengaluru established their dominance on the scoreboard early with a well-executed corner routine. Mendez smashed in a lay-off from Poojary, putting the hosts up 1-0.
Midfield Battle: Capó’s Influence
While Mohun Bagan’s press seemed to hinder their own efforts, a key factor in Bengaluru’s success was their unsung hero in midfield — Pedro Capó.
The main difference between the two teams, aside from the score, was their clarity, especially in midfield. Capó was instrumental for Bengaluru FC.
For every final pass from Noguera and every determined run from Suresh, there was Capó, calmly breaking the press and creating space.
His influence was evident in the second goal. Following a throw-in that reached Pedro, Bagan made the mistake of pressing him with Suryavanshi and Petratos
. This left Noguera and Apuia alone in midfield. Pedro found Noguera, who passed to Vinit, then to Mendez, Chhetri, and finally to an oncoming Suresh, who scored. Just 20 minutes into the match, Bengaluru was leading 2-0.
Capó expertly broke through Bagan’s press by drawing their players into spaces before releasing the ball behind them. He consistently managed to take out multiple defenders with these plays.
If Noguera was the creative force, Pedro’s role was to free Noguera and Suresh from any defensive barriers.
Bengaluru’s Tactical Composure
After half-time, both teams made adjustments. Bengaluru substituted young talent Vinith for Rohit Danu, while Bagan brought in Sahal for Suryavanshi, hoping for a spark.
Sahal’s entry improved Bagan’s attack, but it also put more pressure on Apuia to build play. However, this improvement was short-lived as Sahal had to leave due to injury ten minutes later, leading to Thapa’s introduction. Dippendu was also replaced by Liston in another push for goals.
Unfortunately for Bagan, their attempts to regain control were quickly undermined. Dippendu’s penalty foul allowed Sunil Chhetri to score again, solidifying his status as the all-time leading goalscorer in the ISL.
Thapa began playing in a more advanced position, similar to Sahal, which pushed Bagan forward more than they had been all game.
They finally found a wide option to exploit, but Bengaluru had a strategy ready.
Bengaluru was comfortable, allowing Bagan to hold possession as long as it didn’t lead to clear chances.
They maintained a solid 4-4-2 shape, allowing Bagan to work the ball wide and send in crosses, which were consistently cleared by Bengaluru’s defense.
As time went on, Bengaluru’s composure and Bagan’s lack of cutting edge became more evident.
The game ended after 90 minutes plus 8 minutes of added time, and as the saying goes in Bangalore, their fortress held strong.
The champions were sent home empty-handed, and Bengaluru continued their perfect run at the top of the table.