That is it from this game but Matchweek 7 of the Hero ISL 2022-23 will continue on Friday, the 18th of November. It will be East Bengal FC taking on Odisha FC in Kolkata and that game will begin at 7.30 pm IST. Cheers!
Awards!
The Club Award goes to MCFC for winning the match. The Hero of the Match Award goes to Lalengmawia Ralte for his brilliant display.
Flying high!
MCFC close the gap to just one point to HFC at the top of the Hero ISL 2022-23 points table with a scintillating 4-0 win over BFC. MCFC were the in-form side coming into this contest and they just showed why they are one of the favorites to go all the way this season. Two goals in the first half and then two more goals in the second half were a testament to how good they were in this game. BFC couldn't conjure up a goal or even create a decent number of real goal-scoring opportunities but it was their defense that was just not up to the mark. A gift from Alan Costa allowed Jorge Diaz to make it 1-0 inside the first 15 minutes and then another defensive error allowed Lalengmawia Ralte to take three touches inside the box and double MCFC's lead. BFC needed an early goal in the second half but another error in defense allowed Jorge Diaz to find Bipin Singh who had an empty net to put the ball into. With the game already put to put, Lallianzuala Chhangte unleashed a shot from around the edge of the box in the 74th minute to put the cherry on the top for MCFC. They go marching on with 3 more points whereas BFC succumb to yet another defeat.
90'
Full time!
Not much action in the added time and the referee blows the final whistle here. It is MCFC that come out on top with a 4-0 win.
90'
Yellow Card
Yellow Card - Mumbai City FC : Mehtab
90'
Added time
So the officials have decided to add three minutes into the end of the second half. Will BFC get a consolation goal here?
88'
Hits the roof of the net!
Udanta Singh has a shot from outside the box but Rostyn Griffiths does enough to get something on it and it deflects out for a corner kick. Although, it soon turns into a MCFC counter-attack.
86'
It could've been 5!
Vikram Singh misses out on a great opportunity to make an instant impact as a substitute. Bipin whips in a beautiful low cross at the front post. Vikram Singh gets his foot on it but does not get a clean connection to beat the keeper.
85'
Another change
Yet another goal scorer makes his way out for MCFC. This time it is Vikram Singh who replaces Lallianzuala Chhangte.
84'
Substitution
Substitution - Mumbai City FC (In: Vikram Singh, Out: Lallianzuala Chhangte)
81'
Substitutions!
Finally MCFC are able to make a change here as the ball goes out for a BFC corner kick. So, Des has made three changes here. Mourtada Fall, Rowllin Borges and Alberto Noguera come in for Ahmed Jahouh, Rahul Bheke and Greg Stewart respectively.
82'
Substitution
Substitution - Mumbai City FC (In: Mourtada Fall, Out: Ahmed Jahouh)
82'
Substitution
Substitution - Mumbai City FC (In: Rowllin Borges, Out: Rahul Bheke)
82'
Substitution
Substitution - Mumbai City FC (In: Alberto Noguera, Out: Greg Stewart)
77'
MCFC enjoying possession
MCFC have three substitutions waiting near the touchline but the team is playing some possession football here and making BFC work hard for the ball.
75'
Fresh legs!
BFC make a change now as Suresh Wangjam makes way for Rohit Kumar.
75'
Substitution
Substitution - Bengaluru FC (In: Rohit Kumar, Out: Suresh Wangjam)
74'
GOOOAALLLLL
BFC slip further. MCFC make it 4-0 thanks to a stunning goal by Lallianzuala Chhangte. A low cross gets whipped in from the left flank. The ball is free at the edge of the box. Lallianzuala Chhangte anticipates the loose ball and charges towards the same. He latches onto it in a flash and drills it past the keeper.
74'
Goal
Goal - Mumbai City FC : LZ Chhangte
73'
Need inspiration!
Sunil Chhetri is trying to pump up the players here. He is seen passing on instructions. BFC need an inspiration on the field. Who will turn up for their side before it gets worse?
71'
Substitution
A change for MCFC now. Vinit Rai comes in for Lalengmawia Ralte. The goal-scorer is getting cheered on his way out here.
71'
Substitution
Substitution - Mumbai City FC (In: Vinit Rai, Out: Lalengmawia Ralte)
70'
Cynical challenge!
Sandesh Jhingan now gets into the referee's book. Jorge Diaz receives the ball around the middle of the park and looks to turn away from his marker. Jhingan knows that he cannot allow him to do that and hence, slides on the back of Jorge Diaz bringing him down. A clear yellow card for the referee to show.
70'
Yellow Card
Yellow Card - Bengaluru FC : Jhingan
68'
A hopeful attempt!
Ahmed Jahouh has a wild attempt on goal. Jahouh finds himself in acres of space around the middle of the park and just walks a few yards before unleashing a shot from 45 or so yards away. The shot goes well high of the post and Jahouh apologizes to his teammates for that attempt.
63'
First change!
BFC make their first substitution of the night. Sunil Chhetri is brought in for Danish Farooq in a bid to get a goal back. Can BFC conjure up something with a little under half an hour left?
63'
Substitution
Substitution - Bengaluru FC (In: Sunil Chhetri, Out: Danish Farooq)
62'
Blocked!
MCFC edging to make it 4-0 now. MCFC win a free-kick on the left side and it is swung in by Greg Stewart. It is partially cleared away and Lalengmawia Ralte attempts the volley with his right foot but his shot is blocked by a BFC for a corner. Nothing comes off it though.
62'
Yellow Card
Yellow Card - Bengaluru FC : Javi H.
58'
GOOAALLL
MCFC have put the game to bed! Yet another defensive error from BFC and MCFC take full advantage of it. BFC try to play a high line and Rahul Bheke does well to see Jorge Diaz making a run down the right flank and manages to keep himself onside as well. The ball is floated forward and Jorge Diaz is one-on-one with the keeper but selflessly waits for others to join him and slots it across to Bipin Singh who has a simple tap-in to make it 3-0.
58'
Goal
Goal - Mumbai City FC : Bipin
57'
Wasteful!
MCFC almost get their third goal but Bipin Singh misses his mark. Greg Stewart picks up the ball in the middle of the park and then bursts forward, skipping past a couple of challenges in the process. Stewart slots it towards Bipin on the left side but instead of squaring it across the face of goal Bipin fires it into the side-netting.
55'
Corner!
BFC manage to get inside the box on the right flank and Suresh Wangjam tries to cross it towards the middle but it is deflect6ed out for a corner. Javier Hernandez swings it in with his left foot but nothing comes off it.
51'
No end product
BFC are finding it difficult to get inside the opposition box. BFC are able to get onto the ball in midfield but whenever they try to play a ball inside the box, the MCFC are finding it pretty straightforward to get it away and MCFC nare themselves creating half opportunities on the counter.
47'
Promising start!
BFC have started on the front foot here. Udanta Singh starts centrally in this half and makes a run towards the box and then tries to square it to the man on the right. It is partially cleared away. Roy Krishna latches onto the ball and unleashes a shot with his left foot but it goes high and wide.
The hosts dominate at home!
What an entertaining half this has been. MCFC head into the break as the happier side with a lead of 2 goals. They were the better side without a doubt and truly deserved the lead. Although, BFC have only themselves to blame here, as both the goals were conceded due to defensive errors. The BFC coach has his task cut-out during the half-time talk. He certainly needs to find a way to motivate these players and ask them to take some chances in the second half. It will be very crucial for BFC to score the first goal in the second half as soon as possible if they are to make a comeback in this game. MCFC got their two goals from Jorge Diaz and Lalengmawia Ralte, thanks to their presence of mind. MCFC will be hoping to come out and seal the game quickly, as Greg Stewart could not keep the ball under control in the fag end of the first half to make it 3-0. BFC need to play out of their skins here, as they hardly troubled the MCFC keeper, Phurba Lachenpa in the first half. An enticing second half of football coming your way shortly.
45'
Halftime!
There goes the referee's whistle and it is MCFC who lead BFC 2-0 at the interval.
45'
Added time
The official signal is that there will be a minimum of 1 minute added onto the first 45.
45'
Yellow Card
Yellow Card - Bengaluru FC : Roshan
42'
Slowing things down!
MCFC are now enjoying the bulk of the possession. After a small burst of attack from BFC, MCFC have been able to get on the ball more and are playing neat passes in the middle of the park and are looking very comfortable here.
37'
No way through!
Just like when they went 1-0 behind, BFC have stepped up after conceding another goal. The issue for them is the lack of creativity in the final third and the MCFC defenders aren't being challenged enough as of yet. Can BFC pull a goal back before the interval?
32'
GOOAALLL
MCFC double their lead! This is a top team effort and MCFC now have a stranglehold of this contest. Bheke plays a lovely through ball to set Stewart free down the right edge of the box. Stewart squares it across towards Bipin Singh who cheekily leaves it for the man behind him. Lalengmawia Ralte latches onto the free ball and takes his time to drill it into the back of the net. The BFC defense was in utter shambles there.
32'
Goal
Goal - Mumbai City FC : Apuia
29'
Offside!
Jorge Diaz puts the ball in the back of the net but it won't count. A lofted through ball is played into the path of Stewart who makes a run towards the box and tries to chest it down. The ball falls kindly to Jorge Diaz who easily slots it past Gurpreet Sandhu but the linesman has his flag raised as Stewart was in an offside position.
28'
Straight at the keeper!
BFC looking vulnerable in defense. BFC try to play out from the back but Bipin Singh pinches the ball off a BFC player and sets Greg Stewart free through the middle. Stewart has a look-up and drills it low but Gurpreet Sandhu gets down low well and makes the save.
24'
Easy for the keeper!
Udanta Singh gets the ball on the right side and sprints inside the opposition box. He tries to take it on his left foot and kicks it straight to the keeper.
21'
Got to score!
MCFC nearly costed themselves a goal here. BFC player fights near the byline for the ball and wins it at the very end. He puts in a low cross but Roy Krishna is unable to keep his feet intact and gets no power on the shot. MCFC defenders put their bodies on the line to take care of the mess.
18'
Nice play
A positive sign for BFC. Much better from them here. Roy Krishna has the ball at his feet. He smartly waits for Javier Hernandez's run, and puts in a delicious low pass, although Javier is unable to plant it inside the goal as he forces a save out of the keeper.
16'
Top block
Lallianzuala Chhangte whips in the ball from the right-flank and into the dangerous area. Jorge Diaz is free near the six-yard ward but could not head it towards the goal and it goes to Bipin Singh from the back of his head. Singh has a go but the defender comes it way. Nothing comes off the corner.
14'
GOOAALLL
A goal out of nothing. An individual mistake costs BFC now. Alan Costa has his hands on his head. Costa takes a poor first touch and Jorge Diaz pounces on the opportunity. He gets behind the defender and runs towards the goal. A late extra touch allows Diaz to drill it across the keeper and into the back of the net. MCFC take the lead at home and the fans have come back to life here.
14'
Goal
Goal - Mumbai City FC : Pereyra Diaz
11'
Slight halt!
Oh dear! A flood-light failure has interrupted play. The fans have their phones up and have their flash lights, but the vision is still an issue for the players. Hopefully, the issue is resolved quickly and the we get some thrilling action.
10'
Diaz wins a corner
Ahmed Jahouh yet again shows how brilliant his vision is. He has a glance from his own half and puts in a delicious ball for Diaz down the right flank. He has a defender to beat but only manages to win a corner. Nothing comes off it.
7'
Good use of the body!
Roy Krishna defends the ball from Lalengmawia Ralte who is constantly applying pressure from behind. BFC get a breather here.
5'
So close!
Namgyal Bhutia gets the ball on the right flank and he whips in a probing cross inside the box. Roy Krishna is about to charge towards the ball but the MCFC deals with it in time to put it out for a corner. Although, the corner is overcooked and it remains all level.
3'
Poor end result
Greg Stewart sets up Jorge Diaz with a brilliant through ball but the latter could not repay with a threatful cross inside the box.
2'
Good start!
MCFC stay the game on a bright note. They are making there intentions clear from the get-go. BFC are getting into the game as well. They enjoy possession in the opposition half but nothing comes off it.
1'
Let's Football
The referee blows the whistle and it is MCFC that get us underway here. They will be attacking from right to left. MCFC will be playing with a 4-3-3 formation, while BFC go with the 4-2-3-1 formation. Which side will break the deadlock?
Toss
Both the skippers meet in the middle of the park for an all-important toss. The referee flips the coin and it lands in favour of BFC. Gurpreet Sandhu says that they will attack from left to right in the first half.
National Anthem
Not long before the action begins. Both the teams now make their way out on the field. They line-up in the middle for the Indian national anthem.
Bengaluru FC (Starting XI)
Gurpreet Sandhu (GK/C), Namgyal Bhutia, Sandesh Jhingan, Alan Costa, Roshan Naorem, Suresh Wangjam, Bruno Silva, Danish Farooq, Javier Hernandez, Udanta Singh, Roy Krishna.
Mumbai City FC and Bengaluru FC are one of the fan-favourites in the Hero ISL but neither of them managed to qualify for the playoffs in Hero ISL 2021-22 finishing just outside the top 4 in the league phase of the competition. Both MCFC and BFC have been serious contenders for the Hero ISL trophy in the past but this season it has been MCFC who have shown progress from Hero ISL 2021-22 with BFC falling off the pace a bit. MCFC are yet to suffer a loss this season and with 16 goals scored in just 6 matches, their potential in front of goal is as good as any in the competition. The likes of Bipin, Chhangte and Stewart give them that explosiveness in the final third that has allowed them to score goals at will and it will be a big challenge for the BFC defense to keep them quiet. BFC have experience in their ranks both in attack as well as defense but just haven't managed to yet perform well as a team. With the likes of Jhingan, Krishna and Chhetri in the team, one would have expected more from BFC but there still a long way to go in the Hero ISL 2022-23 and BFC will know that a couple of wins on the trot would change the momentum completely. This particular fixture in the Hero ISL has proved to be very closely matched and even in the 2021-22 season, the wins were split between the two sides. With all that said, MCFC do have in-form players and will be the favourites in this one. Can BFC upset the home side and turn over a new leaf?
Matchweek 7!
The Hero Indian Super League 2022-23 has entered the seventh week of action and it will be a big clash between Mumbai City FC and Bengaluru FC at the Mumbai Football Arena to kick off Matchweek 7. MCFC are currently 2nd on the points table with 3 wins and 3 draws from the 6 games played. This also means that they are still unbeaten in this edition with HFC being the only other team yet to suffer a loss this season. On the other hand, BFC have only managed 1 win from 5 matches thus far and are languishing in the lower half of the table. It will be a big clash as BFC will be desperate for all 3 points and MCFC will look to maintain this unbeaten start and keep pace with HFC at the top of the table. Will either side be able to brag maximum points?