AFC Cup 2018: Bengaluru FC hint at resting key players against New Radiant SC after long domestic season
What's the story?
After rounding off their domestic season with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Kolkata giants East Bengal in the Super Cup final, Bengaluru FC are likely to field a relatively weaker squad in their AFC Cup Group E match against Maldivian side New Radiant SC, on Wednesday.
In case you didn't know...
The Blues have had a hectic season, taking part in three competitions -- ISL, Super Cup and the AFC Cup. While the matches have created a rather busy schedule for them, the Blues have gone about their business, fielding a second string squad in the AFC Cup matches, something that seems to have done the job for them, as of now.
The heart of the matter
BFC goalkeeper coach Edu Gasol addressed the media on the eve of the Blues' match against New Radiant and spoke about the difficulty of the fixture. He claimed that they face a dangerous side in the form of New Radiant SC.
"We know that it will be a difficult game tomorrow based on the first leg in Bengaluru. We know that their coach is doing a very good job with the team and they are a strong opponent," Gasol said.
He then went on to hint that BFC will once again field their second string squad in the AFC Cup match, just like what they have been doing in the previous AFC Cup games.
"We are working hard in every game and in every training session. We have played so many games in the last few months, so we'll choose the players who are in the best shape for tomorrow. But it's not a problem as all our players are ready to play," he said.
What's next?
Bengaluru FC will face New Radiant SC of the Maldives in an AFC Cup group stage match on Wednesday. The Blues got the better of New Radiant when the sides met on matchday three of the competition and will be looking to do so yet again. Bengaluru FC currently stand on top of the group table with a total of nine points.
Author's take
The Southern Eagles have had a fantastic season this time around. A strong debut in the ISL helped Bengaluru finish the season as runners-up. They were able to go one better in the inaugural edition of the Indian Super Cup and win it by defeating East Bengal in the summit clash. Bengaluru's remarkable rise continues, as the club formed only in 2012 now find themselves fighting with some of the best the continent has to offer in the AFC Cup.