Bengaluru FC's journey under new head coach Gerard Zaragoza kicked off on a positive note as the former champions defeated Jamshedpur FC 1-0 in an Indian Super League match at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday.
The experienced Javi Hernandez scored from the spot-kick in the 44th minute to score the only goal of the game after Jamshedpur defender Elsinho was penalised for handling the ball inside the box.
Jamshedpur FC goalkeeper TP Rehenesh was in red-hot form as he managed a string of saves throughout the game to deny Sunil Chhetri and Hernandez among other Bengaluru players. The Kerala player denied Chhetri a memorable free-kick strike at the 37th minute by making a full-stretch dive.
Chhetri stepped up to take a free kick in the 37th minute from nearly 30 yards out, and he shot it admirably well only for a full-stretched Rehenesh to dive and palm it away from goal.
Jamshedpur FC were desperate in their quest for a response, and they naturally looked up to their midfielder Jeremy Monzorro to produce something noteworthy in the final third.
Monzorro was averaging 10.4 entries in the penalty box per game prior to this match in the current season, suggesting that he is someone who constantly finds a way past the opposition's backline. He tried to unleash another trick out of his armoury, attempting to lob the ball over Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, only for it to deflect off hitting the outside of the upper net in the 65th minute.
Zaragoza replaced Chhetri and Hernandez with the fresh legs of Monirul Molla and Harsh Patre in the second half, and the young duo worked their socks off to ensure that the lead didn't desert them until the end of the match.
Bengaluru FC will next host NorthEast United FC on December 24, whereas Jamshedpur FC will travel to face Hyderabad FC on December 21.
- With PTI inputs
