Chhetri hat-trick puts Bengaluru FC in final
BANGALORE: Sunil Chhetri struck a hat-trick in the season’s biggest game yet for Bengaluru FC to carry the debutants to a 3-1 victory over FC Pune City in the second leg semi-final of the Indian Super League (ISL) on Sunday and into the final clash.
The India striker’s cool finishes, including a Panenka to convert a penalty, his second goal, saw the twice I-league champions continue their surge in their first season in ISL. Pune had held Bengaluru to a goalless draw in the first leg at home.
The home supporters turned up in numbers and did not forget to cheer every time their side touched the ball. Albert Roca’s men also kept their part of the bargain as they showed great character to book their place in the final. They will face winners of the other semi-final between Chennaiyin-goa.
ATTACKING FOOTBALL
It was a solid show by Bengaluru FC as they dominated the game with their attacking brand of football and skipper Sunil Chhetri led by example. The Indian football team captain was supported by his teammates as he clinched the encounter for his team.
Udanta Singh, 21, was a live wire down the right flank and Pune were caught off-guard by his raw pace and it was his cross that provided the first goal.
He skipped past Pune defender Sahil Panwar and found Sunil Chhetri with an inch-perfect cross, and the skipper’s header from close beat the keeper.
The trend continued in the second half as the hosts were better organised and Chhetri doubled the lead in the 64th minute with the cheeky penalty conversion.
While Bengaluru reaped rewards for attacking, Pune paid the price for lack of finishing.
Alfaro got two golden chances to equalise, but Bengaluru defence was up to the task and it was the counter-attack from the second that provided Chhetri with the moment of the day.
The 33-year-old maestro latched on to a lob from Dimas Delgado and his deft touch sealed a deserved treble for him.
Bengaluru will play the final on March 17 at home. And if Sunday’s performance is any indication, the home fans will surely be expecting another masterclass.