FC Bengaluru United (FCBU) secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Bangalore United FC in their third game in the ongoing BDFA Championship.
After a tightly contested first half, FC Bengaluru United took control of the second half with their most dominant performance of the season thus far. Led by Ribhav with three crucial assists, the two-time BDFA champions sealed the deal with goals from Jerry, Aqib, and a brace from Akshunna before the heavens opened up.
The first half saw both sides start strongly, looking to take possession and create chances. FC Bengaluru United looked to gain the early advantage as they pressed hard and in the 12th minute it looked like their aggression had paid off – a free-kick from Chun found Rohit in the box, but the goal was ruled offside.
Undeterred, FC Bengaluru United continued to dominate possession but were unable to create any clear cut chances as the opposition held firm, retreating quickly when FCBU went on the attack, not allowing them to break into the final third. Late in the half, FCBU came close again after winning a free-kick just outside the box, but Chun’s effort hit the wall. Deepak also had a headed chance from Ribhav’s cross, but was thwarted by the keeper.
However, the second half was a different story. FC Bengaluru United started the second half with renewed energy, with two key substitutions – Suraj and Dhruv replacing Chun and Rakesh—adding more fluidity to FCBU’s attack. And their efforts paid an immediate dividend – Jerry opened the scoring in the 48th minute, assisted by a brilliant pass from Ribhav that sliced through the defense. Soon after, Dhruv’s cross to Dhanush nearly added to the tally, but Dhanush’s header went wide.
Playing with greater precision, FCBU continued to press, with Aqib and Amla testing the opposition keeper.
Aqib doubled the lead in the 72nd minute, finishing a perfect pass from Ribhav. Just four minutes later, Akshunna, after dribbling past three defenders, almost scored but missed by inches. However, he made up for it with a goal in the 80th minute, finishing off a neat Dobri cross. Ribhav’s hat-trick of assists and Akshunna’s brace secured a dominant 4-0 win for FCBU.