Indian Super Cup 2018: Bengaluru FC vs Gokulam Kerala FC, Player Ratings
Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC took on I-League surprise package Gokulam Kerala FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa.
The Blues finished on the top of the ISL standings over the league stage but lost out to Chennaiyin FC in the final on March 17, 2018, at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. Their opponents Gokulam Kerala FC had a fruitful debut season in the I-League as they beat giants like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal and even the eventual champions Minerva Punjab FC.
Henry Kisseka got the lead for the Gokulam Kerala FC side in the 33rd minute and ended the half at 1-0 scoreline. Udanta Singh put in a superb second half as he provided an assist for Miku's goal and scored the match-winning goal in the added time to put Bengaluru FC through to the next round.
Bengaluru FC
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (6/10) - Indian No.1 Sandhu had a decent game between the sticks but was beaten by Kisseka in the first half of the match when the striker beat the offside trap.
Rahul Bheke (6/10) - The Mumbai-born defender played on the right flank for the Blues and was highly active on the flank. He made a lot of overlapping runs along the flank and supported the attack well whenever he moved ahead.
Juanan (6/10) - The sturdy Spaniard was a strong presence in the Bengaluru defence as he combined with his regular partner John Johnson at the back. He was strong in the air and did well to contain the threat of Kisseka inside the box.
John Johnson (6/10) - The ATK-bound Johnson was in his usual no-nonsense demeanour as he made crucial clearances from the back. He was strong in the air as well proving a credible option during setpieces as well for the side.
Subhashish Bose (6.5/10) - The left-back for the Bengaluru side made a lot of attacking exploits along the flank as he was always an option on the line for the midfielders. He even hit the post on one occasion when he cut in from the left and let go an effort from outside the box.
Toni Dovale (6.5/10) - The Spanish playmaker operated just behind the attackers at the top of the midfield. He controlled the flow of the game in the centre of the park as he looked threatening with his through balls.
Lenny Rodrigues (6/10) - The Goa-born midfielder played the pivot role between the defence and midfield for Bengaluru. He broke up Gokulam attacks with his strong physical game and moved the ball around the park.
Victor Perez (6/10) - The new Bengaluru signing played alongside Toni Dovale in the midfield and moved all across the park notching up plays. He was tough in his tackling as well not allowing Gokulam players to get comfortable in the midfield.
Udanta Singh (8.5/10) - The pacey right winger was influential on the flank with his dangerous runs as he troubled the Gokulam defenders with his movement. He provided the assist for the Miku goal when he went past a couple of Gokulam players and set the Venezuelan up for an easy finish. Udanta scored the winning goal at the death to propel the side into the final eight.
Sunil Chhetri (7/10) - The Indian captain was threatening on the left flank as he cut in a lot of times taking efforts on the goal. He came close to scoring on a couple of occasions but was denied by the Gokulam Kerala FC keeper.
Miku (8/10) - The Venezuelan striker was a heavily marked man in the Bengaluru attack but tried his best to keep the Gokulam defence on their toes. He got the equalizer in the
Substitutes:
Nishu Kumar (4/10) - The young left-back was put on by Roca in the final twenty minutes of the match.
Erik Paartalu N/A - The Australian midfielder came on in the final ten minutes of the match as Roca made his second change of the match.