Bengaluru FC beat Kerala Blasters 2-0 to start their 2021 Durand Cup campaign in brilliant fashion at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata on Wednesday. Namgyal Bhutia and Leon Augustine scored for Bengaluru in the match between two Indian Super League (ISL) sides which saw Blasters ending with eight men on the field.
Blasters began on the front foot and dominated most part of the first half. They created quite a few opportunities but failed to convert with Bengaluru goalkeeper Lara Sharma making some brilliant saves.
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In the 33rd minute, a great shot by Sreekuttan was saved by Lara. In the 38th minute, Adrian Luna’s free-kick was again saved by Lara.
Almost against the run of play, right at the stroke of half time, Bengaluru scored. In the 45th minute, the deadlock was broken by Bhutia, whose free-kick left Blasters’ goalkeeper Albino Gomes with no chance.
Things went downhill from then on for Blasters, whose players lost composure. As many as three red cards were shown in the match.
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RV Hormipam was the first to go, in the 64th minute, followed by Sandeep Singh and then it was Yendrembam Denechandram Meitei’s turn to receive the marching orders.
With the numerical advantage, it was a matter of time before Bengaluru struck again. In the 71st minute, Leon Augustine hit BFC’s second goal. A brilliant cross by Harmanpreet was connected by him. The ball went in after Albino fumbled with the initial gathering.
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