I-League: Bengaluru FC keen to get back on track at home

Bengaluru FC return to their fortress in the Bangalore Football Stadium after a slew of away fixtures, when they take on Sporting Clube de Goa in a 3pm kick-off on Saturday. After eight games, the two teams match each other statistic for statistic with the only exception being a goal more that Sporting Goa have conceded as compared to the hosts.

The Blues managed the sole point from a game in Kolkata and two in Pune. But while the results suggest a struggle, the performances have been far from it. “The results may have not gone our way but the performances have been good. On another day, the outcome of those games could have been different. But that’s done now, it’s finished. We are focused for the game on Saturday,” said Bengaluru FC coach Ashley Westwood.

Adding intrigue to the battle is the result of Friday’s game between I-League leaders Salgaocar FC (18 points) and second-placed Pune FC (17). The teams drew 1-1 that’s left both, Bengaluru FC and Sporting Goa (both 14) the chance to move to joint second should they win.

Bengaluru FC have a flawless record at home and Westwood would be banking on the team’s attacking brand of football and striker Sean Rooney‘s impressive run of form to keep that intact. Also, brimming with confidence would be skipper Sunil Chhetri who became India’s all-time leading scorer when he scored in the 2-0 win over Nepal in a friendly earlier this week. But the striker refused to dwell on the feat, rather choosing to focus on the hand.

“Thank you for all your wishes but for me, the focus is now on the next game. Sporting Clube is a good side that’s doing well in the League but it’s more about how we play. We can’t wait to get back to winning ways,” said Chhetri.

Bengaluru FC midfielder Darren Caldeira looks certain to miss the game with a niggle while Sporting Goa have travelled to Bangalore without Stephen Baretto and Joseph Pereira.

Sporting coach Oscar Bruzon was assertive in his intent of walking away from Bangalore with three points. “What’s our game plan? Three full points. That’s what we are here for. Our morale is high but we also realise our weaknesses. We have been watching clips of Bengaluru FC and have little doubt that they will be a good rival and it will be a good game,” said Bruzon.