Bengaluru FC created history after they cruised into the finals of the AFC Cup by defeating the defending champions Johor Darul Ta'zim 3-1 (4-2 on aggregate). Bengaluru FC is the first Indian club to reach the finals of the AFC Cup and brought Indian football to the limelight in Asia.
A brace from captain Sunil Chhetri and a goal from centre-back Juan Antonio secured the win for the men in Blue.
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Here are five reasons why Bengaluru FC deserve to be in the finals of the AFC Cup.
#1 Never before seen professionalism in Indian football
Bengaluru FC is a club which was founded just three years ago but they have been very professional in their approach from day one. The team owners JSW Group and managing director Sajjan Jindal and CEO Parth Jindal should be given praise for Bengaluru's achievement.
Instead of setting a club for their own profit, the owners set up a truly professional club. The way Bengaluru FC is 'designed' can be compared to big European clubs.
The club's intentions were clear from the players and managers they recruited over the three years. The Blues have lost some of their key players during the past years, Sean Rooney being one of them, but the management did very well in replacing those players.
Even the team's grassroots program has been built in a very professional manner. All of Bengaluru's junior teams have been performing very well in such a short span of time and that shows how much effort the whole club has put in to develop players as well as Indian football.
All these signs of professionalism show that Bengaluru, unlike other clubs in India, is one which are in for the long haul. With that being said, reaching the AFC Cup finals will be only just the beginning for Bengaluru FC.
#2 The amazing fan base
The 12th man of the team, the fans of Bengaluru FC have been credited by the Bengaluru FC players of pushing them on to deliver better.
The team's home ground, Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore, has a total capacity of about 24,000 and it was packed with full of passionate supporters when the Blues played Johor Darul Ta'zim on Wednesday.
The fan base of Bengaluru FC has been great since the team was founded in 2013. Home games in Bangalore are intimidating for opponents and uplifting for the home players, with banners adorning the walls and chants and cries of ‘BFC’ reverberating throughout the game.
The team's fan base definitely has played a huge role in Bengaluru FC's success and they are one of the reasons why the two-time I-League champions deserve to be in the finals of the AFC Cup.
#3 The well-organised defence
Bangalore might have the likes of Sunil Chettri, CK Vineeth, Eugenson Lyngdoh in their attack, but the team's defence have provided a firm and solid presence to build attacks on.
Bengaluru FC conceded 19 goals in the 2015 I-League season and 18 in I-League 2016 season, which is a very good defensive record in the league. The Blues have conceded 14 goals in their 11 games in the AFC Cup this season, however, the team's defence has been solid when required.
The defending I-League champions managed to keep clean sheets in both legs of their quarter-finals against Tampines Rovers, and progressed to the semi-finals after scoring a single goal. Against Johor Darul Ta'zim, the back four was stable – albeit the defensive lapse in yesterday’s first goal – and only conceded one goal each in both legs.
John Johnson, Juan Antonio, Rino Anto, Keegan Pereira and Lalchhuan Mawia has been the key defenders at the back for Bangalore this season and also during their AFC Cup campaign, but the surprise inclusion has been 19-year-old Nishu Kumar at left-back, who has looked impressive.
Last season, BFC had Curtis Osano, who had formed a solid partnership with Johnson.
The stable and solid defence has played a huge role in Bengaluru FC winning the I-League this season and also in the Blues having a successful run in the AFC Cup.
#4 The indescribable team spirit
Bengaluru FC is not just a club, it is a family; this might be the best way to put it. The players, the management and the fans have all brought a sense of unity which has pushed the players on the field.
When Bengaluru FC did not have good games and needed picking up, it was the team spirit that brought them back on track.
For the team's AFC semi-final game against Johor Darul Ta'zim, Bengaluru FC asked India – including rival clubs and fans – to unite and help them get past the Malaysian club. The Blues considered Wednesday's achievement as an achievement of Indian football as a whole, instead of keeping this magnificent achievement it to themselves.
#5 The legend that is Sunil Chhetri
The Indian national team captain alone is a reason why Bengaluru FC deserves to be in the AFC Cup finals. It was the 32-year-old striker's brace that helped the I-League champions to get past Johor Darul Ta'zim on Wednesday.
Chhetri's work rate and never say die attitude has won several games for Bangalore, and it was the same work ethic and class which he showed on the night.
His passion, calmness, technique and other attributes have contributed a lot to the team’s success. The 5'7" striker's second goal against Johor was a world-class goal which would have not looked out of place even in the biggest leagues in the world.
Chhetri’s vast experience and leadership qualities will be of importance when Bengaluru FC take on Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (Air Force Club) on November 5th.
The Bengaluru FC captain is already a legendary figure but could add to his legend by bringing the AFC Cup back to Bengaluru.
