Leaders Bengaluru FC capitalised on the season-long vulnerable defence FC Goa has produced to blank them 2-0 in the Indian Super League (ISL) encounter at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Friday.
The league leaders thus further firmed their top spot in the table with 33 points from 15 matches while FC Goa are sixth with 20 points from 13 fixtures.
Bengaluru FC took the lead through their Spanish midfielder Eduardo Martin (35th minute) which was doubled by fellow countryman Dimas Delgado in the 82nd minute -- who scored the first goal for the side.
Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca surprised by excluding his prolific forward Miku from the side while the visitors tactician Sergio Lobera gave his star players Ferran Corominas and Manuel Lanzarote a start in the crucial fixture.
The hosts started on a positive note, rolling the ball with ease from one end to another keeping the visitors on the back foot.
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As a result, Bengaluru FC talisman Sunil Chhetri got the first shot on goal in the third minute from outside the box which caused no trouble to Naveen Kumar at the FC Goa goal post.
But the hosts could not hold on to their start, with Lanzarote and Corominas combining inside the box but failing to make the most of the opportunity which was well cleared by Bengaluru FC midfielder Lenny Rodrigues.
The later minutes saw both the sides play an end to end attacking football but failed to make the most of the opportunities coming their way.
Meanwhile, the FC Goa coach took a hit at the linesman, screaming at him for the poor refereeing against his side.
However, Bengaluru took the initial lead from a precise header from inside the box by Eduardo Garcia Martin.
Bengaluru thus scored the 29th goal in the ongoing season, equalling their tally with FC Goa and maintained the lead at half-time.
The second-half witnessed Lobera making changes in FC Goa's playing style.
All of a sudden the visitors looked to contain the ball and maintain possession and succeeded in doing so for few minutes.
Bengaluru, on the other side maintained their basics from the first half and displayed their usual attacking game, which failed to get past the FC Goa defence.
The ISL referees were continued to be made a mockery of in the second half, this time by the Bengaluru FC supporters, who chanted "F**k off referee" for the poor judgement made on their side time and again.
After the 70 minute mark, FC Goa again continued to combine well creating chances through their one touch passes but Bengaluru defence stood strong blocking and clearing every ball coming their way.
The second goal which came after a little more over 80 minutes which formed through a brilliant teamplay from Bengaluru FC which gave the FC Goa defence no chance to clear the ball and as a result unmarked Delgado netted the second for the side.
Bengaluru FC's star goalkeeper who looked sloppy at times in the first half did better in the second half to award himself and the side a clean sheet at home.
(Samrat Chakraborty can be contacted on samrat.c@ians.in)
--IANS
sam/vd