ISL 2018-19: Bengaluru FC 1-0 Delhi Dynamos – 5 talking points

#1 The end product just not coming for Delhi

Josep Gombau

Andria Kaluderovic, the big Serbian, failed to provide the goods for Delhi once again.

Kaluderovic got an excellent opportunity in the 27th minute. Tremendous build-up play was followed by a cut back from Nandha Kumar in from right flank but the Serbian scuffed his shot. He tried to hit the ball with the outstep of his right foot but it ended up going awfully wide of the target from just 12 yards out.

Andrija once again got a free header in the 6-yard box but missed the sitter. The Serbian just can not find the back of the net. This has been Delhi's problem. Brilliant build up by The Lions again not bearing the fruits it should.

Lallianzuala Chhangte and Nandha Kumar, Delhi's wingers, both had good games and were seen going up and down the flanks. The two youngsters worked hard, created many good chances, and even had a few great opportunities themselves.

21-year-old Chhangte was always in the thick of things. The Mizoram-player has the maximum number of crosses (35) in the league as well as 2 goals to his name. He could have added to this tally and made it 3 as he had a golden opportunity against the Blues. Carmona threaded a lovely ball to him in the 30th minute and Chhangte even managed to beat the offside trap to go one on one with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, the Bengaluru custodian. However, Gurpreet did really well, stood tall, and denied the youngster his goal.

Nandha Kumar was also selfish on one of the breaks. He had a great chance to square it to his teammates in the 41st minute but instead, he decided to go for goal himself. The shot was well struck but it would never have been easy to beat Sandhu on the near post.

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Both Delhi and Bengaluru kept on finding pockets of space throughout the game and it seemed that it might turn into a high scoring encounter. Ultimately, the solitary goal of the match was scored in the 87th minute, with a powerful bottom left-corner strike from Udanta Singh.

Gambau naturally looked furious on the sidelines as any coach would be after seeing his side dominate for the majority of the match and still lose after conceding a late goal. With this result, the chances of Delhi making it to the playoffs is highly statistical. It will be miraculous if they do as they are now perpetually out of contention.

There were so many clear-cut chances created by Delhi that they would be utterly disappointed for not having picked up the 3 points from this match. Lack of composure in the final third is what has cost them time and again. Paartalu curbed the space that Delhi were occupying. He ensured a much better 2nd half for Bengaluru.

Nishu Kumar was all over the park and named Man of the Match for his heroics. The Indian team India have another amazing prospect in the left back position in Nishu Kumar. He did very well, was extremely disciplined, and made a few vital interceptions.

As fate would have it -- Delhi remains the only side to remain winless in the tournament, and Bengaluru remains the only team who are yet to face defeat. The Blues move to the top of the table with 19 points while Delhi remains at 10th (last) spot.