I-League Media

LUDHIANA: Bengaluru FC made a comeback today in the Hero I- league by ending their winless streak of 7 games with 0-1 win over the hosts Minerva Punjab with the help of a goal from Lenny Rodriguez in the 17^th minute of the game.

Desperate Bengaluru FC travelled to Ludhiana for their I-League encounter against Minerva Punjab FC. Minerva Punjab FC had been unbeaten in their last 6 games while Bengaluru FC have been craving to taste their first victory after 7 games. Bengaluru FC roped in 33-year-old Serbian striker Marjan Jugovic while Minerva Punjab FC unleashed their new defensive force in Korean defender Kim Min Sang.

In the first half, the game seemed open with both teams sharing ball possession and Bengaluru FC drawing first blood after Lenny Rodrigues found the back of the net from a header off a corner. Minerva came close to scoring twice with shots from Germanpreet saved marvellously by Arminder Singh and Lalrempuia’s shot just inches wide of the post.

Bengaluru FC ace striker CK Vineeth was booked deep into the first half and also was caught on a controversial appeal for a second yellow after handling the ball.Tackles came flying end to end and Bengaluru FC attacking more in numbers this game.

In the second half, both teams came back stronger. But the game was dry with either of them failing to score. Minerva Punjab FC dominated in terms of attack while Bengaluru FC were happy to draw possession.

Lenny Rodrigues, the midfield maestro for Bengaluru FC was adjudged man of the match for his amazing performance. In the second half, Victor Amobi screamed through Nishu Kumar on the right flank but failed to find the back of the net.

On the other end, Sunil Chettri and Udanta Singh troubled the Minerva backline with constant attacks from time to time. Bengaluru FC grab their first win after 7 games and end Minerva’s unbeaten streak after 6 games.

Bengaluru FC will travel down south to Chennai next while Minerva will host Shillong Lajong in the next 48 hours.