ISL 2017/18, Semifinal, 1st leg: FC Pune City vs Bengaluru FC 1st Semi Final 5 Talking points
FC Pune City played host to Bengaluru FC in what was a historic tie for both the clubs. It was the first time both of them were playing an ISL semifinal.
While BFC will be very happy with the progress they have made throughout the season and to make it to the playoffs in their very first attempt, it was a bigger occasion for FC Pune City as this was the biggest game in the short history of the club.
They made their maiden playoff appearance after failing to do the same over the last three years. This year they looked like a team possessed with the aim of making the semi-finals, a feat which they finally achieved.
The game ended 0-0, and it's all to play for in the second leg.
On that note, let's take a look at the five talking points from the game.
#1 A cagey semifinal
A theory or practice which has been a favourite of most coaches around the world is to keep a clean sheet in the first leg of a knockout tie.
This game was a completely cagey affair. No team had the clear upper hand during the match, as both the team’s looked to play a safe brand of football. It was clear that no team wanted to concede a goal rather than go for the kill and score.
The second half though saw Pune step their foot on the gas, as they created more than a few openings, but failed to convert their chances. They had more possession and created more chances as compared to BFC.