When the visiting team is the defending champion and the home team has won three on the trot, you can only expect fireworks when they come face-to-face.
When the visiting team is the defending champion and the home team has won three on the trot, you can only expect fireworks when they come face-to-face.
But, the fireworks were missing when Mumbai FC and Bengaluru FC played out a 1-1 drab draw in their I-League clash at the Cooperage on Tuesday.
The team from Bengaluru dominated for a majority of the game, but their attacking force comprising India captain Sunil Chhetri and Australian Sean Rooney were denied scoring opportunities by Mumbai FC goalkeeper Nidhin Lal. In the home team's disappointing performance, Lal was the only saving grace. He even pulled a stunning save in the 93rd minute off Rooney's header.
If Mumbai FC were banking on home support like they did in the last two games, then they were completely let down. Screams of Chhetri, BFC and Rooney silenced whatever little cheer the Mumbai team got.
It was Mumbai FC that had the first chance with Ashutosh Mehta missing an easy one-on-one with Bengaluru keeper Lalthummawia Ralte after a shot by in-form striker Josimar Martins was blocked by a defender. Off the resulting corner, Martins back-heeled the ball into the back of the net, only for it to be called offside.
Bengaluru piled on the pressure and were rewarded for their efforts when Eugeneson Lyngdoh broke the deadlock in the 31st minute with a curler for the top of the box after receiving a Rooney back pass.
It seemed as though Mumbai FC coach Khalid Jamil gave his team a harsh talk at half-time, for they came out all guns blazing. Martins had a crack at the goal and his shot was deflected for a corner in the 49th minute. He was rewarded for his hard work in the next minute when he drew his team level with a spearing header off Mehta's free-kick.
After the equaliser, Mumbai's game plan went from attacking to being content passing the ball around.
With this result, Mumbai FC and Bengaluru remain in sixth and third places, respectively. Mumbai next play Pune FC at home on March 22.
Stopwatch: Mumbai FC 1 (Josimar Martins 50) drew with Bengaluru FC 1 (Eugeneson Lyngdoh 31)
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