ISL 2020:21 – Players were not complacent and played for the win

Bengaluru FC could have had a perfect start to their ISL 2020:21 season with a win but they had to share the spoils. BFC took a 2-0 lead against FC Goa in their opening fixture but the latter made a roaring comeback into the contest to level the match 2-2.

Bengaluru FC were given the lead when Brazilian Cleiton Silva headed the ball into the net in the 28th minute. The lead was doubled in the 57th minute when unmarked Juanan scored a goal.

However, FC Goa didn’t throw in the towel as Spaniard Igor Angulo scored a brace in just four minutes to turn the match on its head. It was an unbelievable comeback from the Gaurs as they were able to turn the tables.

Bengaluru FC head coach Carles Cuadrat stated that his players were not complacent and they played for the win but things didn’t go their way despite having the 2-0 lead in the game.

“Of course not complacent, my players fought for every point and that is what they were wishing for from the first minute. You know the thing is that it has been a short pre-season for all of us and they have been giving their best. They have quality players and this kind of thing happens,” said Carles Cudrat, after the match. 

Some fine football was on display and it was a thrilling game between top two teams. In the second half, three goals were scored as FC Goa made a fine comeback after the introduction of Alexander Jesuraj, Brandon Fernandes, Aiban Dohling and Alberto Noguera.

Carles admitted that he was not surprised by the changes Goa made in their substitution but felt his team was not able to convert the counter attacks in the fag end of the match.

“No, I am not surprised, I was sure that they were studying our system and we tried to change little things to try to surprise them and I think it was working. I think we created a lot of counter-attacks but we were missing in the last phase to really create the chance for a goal. I’m quite happy with the match plan, I think it was working for us,” added the coach. 

Bengaluru FC will next face Hyderabad FC on Saturday at Fatorda Stadium whereas FC Goa will face Mumbai City FC at the same venue on Wednesday.