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The reigning Indian Super League champions, Bengaluru FC, kicked off their season at home in the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Their opponents for the night were last season's surprise package, NorthEast United FC.
Both the teams wanted to get their season off to a winning start. Bengaluru FC got off to a bright start as they created a lot of chances in the initial few minutes. The Highlanders did get their fair share of chances in the first half but failed to capitalise them.
The Blues from Bangalore and the Highlanders went into the half-time break with the scoreboard reading 0-0.
The rain gods decided to open its gates, and it rained heavily in Bangalore. In the second half, the heavy ground conditions made it difficult for free-flowing swift football.
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NorthEast United FC and Bengaluru FC shared a point each as the game ended in a goalless draw. Given the way the game was played both the teams will be content with a point.
On that note, we take a look at the five talking points from today's game.
#5 NorthEast United FC yet to get over the pre-season hangover
Right from the get-go, Bengaluru FC started to assert their dominance over the game and barring a few instances the reigning ISL Champions were in full control. NorthEast United FC, on the other hand, got off to a lazy start, but did create some excellent chances which they failed to convert.
The overall approach that The Highlanders had looked a bit clumsy at times, and it seemed like the team had not yet overcome the pre-season hangover properly.
It is quite natural for the players not to be fully fit for the first game of the season, but the NorthEast United FC players, in particular, looked underprepared for the game.
Even though they could have scored a few goals, their midfield and defence lacked cohesiveness.
NorthEast United FC have to pull up its socks if they are to replicate last season's performance.
The midfield, in general, looked a disoriented unit and was out of ideas during the game.
#4 Bengaluru FC's finishing a point of bother for Carles Cuadrat
The number of chances that Bengaluru FC created was more than enough to secure three points from the game today, but their finishing was awful, to say the least. Bengaluru FC could have gone two ahead in the first 15 minutes of the match, but Ashique Kuruniyan and Udanta Singh squandered glorious chances to give the defending champions the lead.
The Blues had their opponents chasing shadows for most of the game, but the final third play ruined all the excellent build-up that they had.
One could blame the rainy conditions and heavy ground for the lack of quality finishing. Still, given the quality that Bengaluru possess, it is natural for them to finish off the chances they squandered.
Udanta, Ashique and Onwu were all guilty of missing some good chances.
'The Flash' as the Bengaluru FC fans likes to call Udanta was probably the main man who would have a tough time as he replays the misses over and over again in his head.
With games coming in the ISL season at quick speed, Carles Cuadrat would hope that his team find their scoring boots as quickly as possible.
#3 Raphael Augusto the perfect fit for the Bengaluru midfield
Raphael Augusto was adjudged as the man of the match, and we couldn't agree more. He was a delight to watch with his receiving, passing and hold up play all being a treat to watch. Creating space even in the most closed confined spaces was something which was a pleasure for the Bengaluru faithful.
Time and again he split open the NorthEast United FC defence with his through balls. His presence in the middle of the park meant that the Northeast United FC midfielders Leudo and Lalthathanga Khawlhring didn't get a moment's peace.
His forward movements also meant that the opposition midfielders weren't able to do anything creative as they were busy with defending. His link-up play with Chhetri, Onwu and Udanta was superb.
Having already helped Chennaiyin FC win the Indian Super League, the Brazilian will be hoping to work his magic with Bengaluru FC.
#2 Rahul Bheke's dip in form a cause of concern for Bengaluru FC
Rahul Bheke has been Mr. Consistent for Bengaluru FC over the past few seasons as he proved to be the saviour for The Blues at crucial times. It was also his goal in extra time which won Bengaluru FC their maiden Indian Super League title.
Coming on the back of a prosperous Indian Super League season, Bheke was called up for the Indian National Team under Igor Stimac. Trouble also began there. His performance has been heavily criticised during the Intercontinental cup and even in the recent ties against Oman and Bangladesh.
It was a worrying thing to see Bheke play below average for the National team, but it looks like his dip in form has continued with BFC too.
He made some schoolboy errors while defending and one of them gave Martin Chaves an open net to aim at, but the Uruguayan forward placed his shot wide. His partnership with Juanan and Nishu Kumar was also tested at times.
His transition from Right Back to Centre Back has affected his natural game. He was caught out of position a couple of times which helped The Highlanders open up the Bengaluru defence.
Juanan, his defensive partner, also didn't have the best of games as Ghanian legend Gyan kept creating problems in the Bengaluru box.
Rahul Bheke needs to get back into his usual form as both Bengaluru FC and the Indian National Team rely on him a lot.
#1 Martin Chaves and Gyan the sliver lining for NorthEast United FC
It was the 35th minute, and Bengaluru had the clear upper hand in the game, but NorthEast United FC was slowly starting to settle into their rhythm. Lalthathanga Khawlhring lobbed a through ball for Gyan over the BFC defence, and the Ghanian made no mistake to put it in the back of the net. A perfect move and finish, but the goal was ruled out due to an offside.
Before the disallowed goal happened Martin Chaves, the 21-year-old Uruguayan registered the first shot on target of the game with a good move that began from nothing. Martin cut inside beating Juanan and unleashing a right-footed curler which was fisted away by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
In second half, The Highlanders nearly scored again from a counter-attack as Martin ran at three Bengaluru defenders before beautifully finding Gyan inside the box with a lovely chip pass. Gyan received and turned past Juanan to unleashed a powerful left-footed curler which hit the upright. It was without a doubt, the move of the match for NorthEast United FC.
Even though Bengaluru FC had the majority of the ball and created much more chances whenever the NorthEast United FC front two got the ball, they looked dangerous. The Highlanders will be hoping that Chaves and Gyan continue playing well and hope that they convert the type of chances they missed today.
