Javi Hernandez’s gravity-defying goal propelled Bengaluru FC to a stunning 2-1 victory over East Bengal FC in the 2023-24 Indian Super League season. The Spanish player’s acrobatic bicycle kick from inside the penalty area turned the game around and secured the team’s first win. Let’s delve deeper into the match and analyze the key moments.
Mahesh’s Early Strike Puts East Bengal in the Lead
East Bengal wasted no time in making an impact, with Naorem Mahesh breaking through Bengaluru FC’s defense and finding the back of the net in the 15th minute. Centre-back Slavko Damjanovic was caught off guard, leaving Jessel Carneiro vulnerable, and enabling Mahesh to score past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
Bengaluru FC Struggles in the First Half
Throughout the first half, Bengaluru FC appeared lackluster, as midfielders Rohit Kumar and Harsh Patre struggled with misplaced passes and fouls. With limited support, Sunil Chhetri and Javi Hernandez took matters into their own hands, combining brilliantly to earn a penalty. Chhetri capitalized on the opportunity, converting from the spot, but the goal didn’t significantly alter the game’s momentum.
East Bengal’s Dominance, Nandha Kumar’s Near-Miss
In the second half, East Bengal continued to maintain control and create scoring opportunities. Nandha Kumar was heavily involved in their passing moves, particularly from the left side. He even managed to convert a rebound off a freekick, only to have the goal disallowed due to an offside flag.
Bengaluru FC Survives East Bengal’s Attacks
As the game progressed, East Bengal’s spirited performance failed to yield any goals. Nandha and Harmanjot Khabra wasted golden opportunities to score, while Bengaluru FC survived a close call for a potential handball inside their penalty area. Despite East Bengal’s profligacy in front of goal, Javi Hernandez’s audacious strike in the 72nd minute dashed their hopes and secured Bengaluru FC’s victory.
Final Score: Bengaluru FC 2 – East Bengal FC 1
The match concluded with Bengaluru FC emerging as the victors, with goals from Chhetri (21-pen) and Hernandez (72), while East Bengal FC’s solitary goal came courtesy of Naorem Mahesh (15).
Picture Credits: Murali Kumar K | Source: The Hindu