Bengaluru FC vs FC Goa: Sandesh Jhingan's own-goal, Blues' delight and other talking points

A two-goal cushion gives the Blues the advantage over the Gaurs.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Bengaluru FC registered an impressive 2-0 win over FC Goa as the Blues take a first-leg lead to the Fatorda Stadium on Sunday (April 6). Bengaluru made their home advantage at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium count and played possibly their best football of the season.

The Gaurs were the second best team on the night as they looked off the pace and chased the game from the first whistle. While they showed great defensive discipline and made it tough for Zaragoza’s men, the Blues just outgunned and outworked the Gaurs.

Goals from Edgar Mendez and an own-goal by Sandesh Jhingan were enough to help Zaragoza win his first ever game against Marquez in head-to-head competition. However, the game was not devoid of talking points and caused division among fans. Let us look at some of the talking points from Bengaluru FC’s 2-0 win over FC Goa:

Did Manolo Marquez pick the wrong starting XI against the Blues?

A rare off-night for the Gaurs as they looked off the pace from the first whistle. Many fans also criticised that the Spaniard’s selections in the starting eleven. A lot of fans pointed out how players like Armando Sadiku and Ayush Dev Chhetri were left off in a must-win game.

While Chhetri has been a vital cog in the middle of the park for the Gaurs, the Spaniard missed the player’s presence. Apart from Chhetri, Sadiku has not been the same since coming back from injury. However, Sadiku brings a lot of playoff experience and could have been an effective weapon playing off Iker Guarrotxena.

ALSO READ: Jamshedpur FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant: All-time head-to-head record

The Edgar Mendez Show was devastating

The Spaniard has been in sublime form for Bengaluru FC during the ongoing ISL playoffs. He was in imperious form against Mumbai City FC and continued the same form against the Gaurs.

Apart from his lovely finish for the second goal, it was the effort from the Spaniard behind the opening goal that really caught the eye. Mendez never gave up on the play and recycled the loose ball and crossed the ball into the dangerous six-yard box forcing Jhingan to try and clear the ball, inadvertently knocking the ball in his own net.

FC Goa faded away after the first 25 minutes

The Gaurs started the game the brighter side with Brison Fernandes, Udanta Singh, and Boris Singh threatening the Bengaluru FC’s defense in the first half an hour. However, Goa’s momentum stagnated and eventually died down after Jhingan’s mistake led to the game’s opening goal.

Marquez will be keen to get more out of his players ahead of a crucial second leg encounter where they will have to overturn a two-goal deficit. With Zaragoza’s Bengaluru FC currently in a goal-scoring patch, stopping their onslaught at the Fatorda Stadium will be essential for Marquez and his men.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.