BENGALURU: For Bengaluru FC, Wednesday was the day to emulate their glorious feat that came a year ago: reaching the AFC Cup final once again.
The outcome is disappointing, no doubt. But with a tough ISL season ahead, the result over two legs points out the need for improvement.
A penalty within four minutes, a red card in the 42nd, a shaky defence, an out-of-form left-back in Nishu Kumar, squandered opportunities and a goal that looked offside cost them their dream.
In the midfield, Lenny Rodrigues, Dimas Delgado and Erik Partaalu are yet to click together. Toni Dovale is yet to play in his natural left-wing slot, since Chhetri occupies it.
The Blues begin their maiden ISL campaign at home on November 19 against Mumbai City FC.