Sports
Bengaluru FC now top the chart with 40 points in 18 matches
Updated : Mar 01, 2018, 10:48 PM IST
Bengaluru FC knocked Kerala Blasters out of the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) with a convincing 2-0 win on Thursday, the double strikes coming in the second-half injury time.
Kerala, who were looking to keep themselves in contention for a play-off berth before the match, could not convert the chances that came their way.
Miku struck the first goal in the 91st minute and Udanta Singh found the net in 94th.
Led by @chetrisunil11, the @bengalurufc players went to applaud the travelling @KeralaBlasters fans in Bengaluru #LetsFootball #BENKER #HeroISL pic.twitter.com/5pxNbXEE2O
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 1, 2018
The top-scorer for Bengaluru, Miku scored his 14th goal of the season after he charged into the box and slotted past Kerala goalkeeper Rachubka.
Udanta scored after cutting into the box off Dimas Delgado's pass from the right, before sending a powerful kick into the corner of the net.
With this win, Bengaluru remained table-toppers with 40 points in 18 matches.
The @bengalurufc players and fans celebrate another victory together with the Viking Clap!#ISLMoments #BENKER #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/RbNLJdUVEs
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 1, 2018
There were some anxious moments too, especially when Bengaluru head coach Albert Roca kicked the ball away in anger as referee gave a throw-in to Kerala Blasters.
The coach was warned by the referee in the 44th minute.
One of the best chances for Bengaluru came in the 75th minute when Udata headed the ball wide after Dovale picked the Indian winger.
In the 45th minute, Bengaluru FC called for penalty, but was denied by the referee after Miku had cut onto his left foot before falling over.
In the 11th minute, Sunil Chhetri picked up the ball in midfield and dribbed past a couple of rival defenders before curling a powerful kick, which went wide.
Udanta's run went unnoticed, but his header didn't trouble Rachubka!
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 1, 2018
Watch it LIVE on @hotstartweets: https://t.co/5BRpYfegzA
JioTV users can watch it LIVE on the app. #ISLMoments #BENKER #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/Ahwr4dsojd
In the 23rd minute, Bengaluru had another chance to score but the rival defender shot the ball over after Nishu Kumar failed to reach the ball, which was deflected into his path off Chhetri's foot.
Haokip then pierced a powerful long ranger, which was wonderfully saved by Rachubka.
Even the rivals had their chances, especially in the 37th minute when Milan aimed a freekick towards Jhingan, who got his head to the ball but was unable to direct it towards the goal.
In the 33rd minute, Prashanth, who came in for the injured Jacki, mistimed his jump at the far post after Jhingan whipped a teasing cross into the box.
In the 62nd minute, Dovale slipped in Chhetri and the skipper blasted his shot over from a tight angle.
Malayali flavour came into play in the 71st minute as Rino Anto whipped in a teasing cross into the box from right for Vineeth to head, but not before Gurpreet Singh Sandhu jumped higher than the forward to palm the ball away to safety.