Bengaluru FC made amends for missing out the Indian Super League 2017-18 title by winning the inaugural Super Cup, beating Kolkata giants East Bengal 4-1 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar.
Albert Roca's side had lost the ISL final 3-2 to Chennaiyin FC on their home ground in March this year.
Bengaluru FC were the favourites to win the title, having beaten the other Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan 4-2 in the semifinal. In fact, the Blues were a goal down in the semifinal and played with 10 men for almost half of the match after Nishu Kumar was sent off in the 50th minute.
In the final it was East Bengal's turn to play with 10 men, as Samad Ali Mallick was sent off just before half-time for swinging his hand at Subhashish Bose of Bengaluru FC.
The red-and-gold brigade took the lead in the 28th minute through Ansumana Kromah, but the Blues hit back through Rahul Bheke (40th), Miku (71st) and captain Sunil Chhetri (69th – penalty, 90th).
Even after conceding the goal, Bengaluru kept up the pressure on the East Bengal defence, which led to the equaliser. Bheke headed in the Victor Perez corner shaking off Kromah, who was marking him.
After the break, Albert Roca's side came out all guns blazing, trying to take advantage of their numerical superiority. Kromah found the net again for East Bengal but he was ruled off-side.
Miku and Perez missed a few chances but kept up the attack. It paid dividends when East Bengal defender Gurwinder Singh handled the ball inside the box resulting in a penalty, which Chhetri coolly converted.
A couple of minutes later Miku scored to make it 3-1, as East Bengal's defence caved in. With minutes left for the final whistle, the captain drove the final nail in East Bengal's coffin with a good header.
It was Bengaluru FC's fifth title in as many seasons of the club's existence.