Bengaluru FC produced a stunning display to defeat defending champions Mumbai City FC 5-0 in the first eliminator of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday, March 29th. The emphatic victory secured Bengaluru’s place in the semi-finals and ended Mumbai City’s title defence at the first playoff hurdle.
Mumbai City arrived with the same attacking formation that had brought them success previously, but the return of midfielder Alberto Noguera proved decisive for Bengaluru. Noguera orchestrated a midfield masterclass, allowing the home side to dominate the central areas often vacated by Mumbai’s attacking midfielders, Lallianzuala Chhangte and Brandon Fernandes.
The opening goal arrived in the eighth minute. After neat interplay down the right involving Roshan Singh, Rahul Bheke, Noguera, and Vinith Venkatesh, the latter played Ryan Williams in behind. Williams’ cross caused chaos in the box, eventually falling to Suresh Wangjam, who coolly finished past Phurba Lachenpa.
Bengaluru maintained control, and the pressure led to a penalty in the 39th minute when Valpuia fouled the dangerous Williams. Javi Hernández confidently converted the spot-kick in the 42nd minute. Williams, a constant threat, had already been denied twice by superb blocks from Mehtab Singh.
Williams deservedly got his goal early in the second half (52nd minute). Suresh Wangjam won the ball in midfield and played Williams through, who lashed a low finish into the far corner.
Substitute Sunil Chhetri added a fourth in the 76th minute, capitalizing on a poor clearance from Lachenpa. Fellow substitute Jorge Pereyra Diaz unselfishly set up the Indian legend, who placed his finish into an empty corner.
Diaz then completed the rout in the 83rd minute, finishing from close range after a superb through ball from the outstanding Noguera.
The comprehensive defeat marks a disappointing end to the campaign for Mumbai City. Bengaluru FC, brimming with confidence after the dominant performance, will now face FC Goa in a two-legged semi-final. The first leg will be played in Bengaluru on April 2nd, with the return leg in Margao on April 6th.
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