ISL 2017/18, 1st Semifinal 2nd Leg: Bengaluru FC vs FC Pune City, Player Ratings
The second leg of the Indian Super League kicked off this weekend with Bengaluru FC hosting FC Pune City at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, India.
The last time when these two sides faced off in the first leg of the semifinals, FC Pune City were held to a 0-0 draw at the Balewadi Stadium in a well-organized Bengaluru performance.The Bengaluru side will count on home advantage to see them through to the final, whereas FC Pine City will be hoping to get an away goal in the Kanteerava.
Bengaluru FC ensured their spot in the ISL final in their first season with a scintillating performance by their star player Sunil Chhetri. Chhetri scored three goals to lead the Blues into the final as Pune got one goal back late in the match through a smashing free-kick by Jonatan Lucca.
Bengaluru FC
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (6.5/10) - The Bengaluru FC custodian had a confident showing between the sticks as he kept most of Marcelinho and Alfaro's efforts at bay throughout the match. He was beaten late in the match when Lucca scored a great free-kick.
Rahul Bheke (6.5/10) - The right-back for the home side had a good outing in defense as he did well against Diego Carlos keeping him in check. He made good attacking runs on the flank and even had an effort on the goal hitting the post in the second half.
Juanan (6.5/10) - Juanan played the strong enforcer in the Bengaluru defence as he used his physicality well to not allow Emiliano Alfaro any space inside the box. He was strong in the air and made crucial interceptions in the backline.
John Johnson (6/10) - The Englishman played in the central defence alongside Juanan in a formidable Bengaluru defence as they dealt well with the potent Pune attack.
Subhasish Bose (6.5/10) - The left-back for the home side was an active presence on the flank with his runs in support of the attack as well as defending well. He was strong at the back and won many crucial headers as Pune stepped up their attack in the second half.
Erik Paartalu (5.5/10) - The Aussie was the anchor between the defence and midfield operating as the first line of defence for the home side. He was always an option in the attack during setpieces.
Boithang Haokip (5/10) - The former Mumbai City FC midfielder played on the left side of the Bengaluru midfield and made good darting runs on the flank. He was replaced by Lenny Rodrigues just before the hour mark.
Dimas Delgado (6/10) - The Spaniard midfielder controlled the tempo of the Bengaluru play with his ball distribution from the centre. He also provided defensive support with his gritty tackling and tracking back in support of Paartalu. He provided the assist for the third goal when he found the run of Sunil Chhetri with a great lobbed ball.
Udanta Singh (6.5/10) - The pacey winger got the assist for the first goal when his cross was met by Sunil Chhetri to give Bengaluru the lead in the match. He was a constant threat on the flank for Pune.
Sunil Chhetri (9/10) - The Bengaluru skipper scored in the fifteenth minute when he headed in a cross by Udanta Singh from the right side. He was superb on the left flank and added two goals in the second half including a 'Panenka' penalty and a late goal to take the game away from Pune.
Miku (6/10) - The Venezuelan striker was the lone man up front for the home side as he kept the Pune defenders on their toes with his movement and threat inside the box.
Substitutes:
Lenny Rodrigues (4.5/10) - The lanky Indian midfielder replaced Boithang Haokip in the second half as Bengaluru added a defensive cover to protect their lead.
Daniel Segovia (N/A) - The Spanish striker came on to replace Miku in the final five minutes of the match
Alwyn George (N/A) - The midfielder came on in the final minutes of the match to replace Udanta Singh in the midfield.