Bengaluru: Dimitri Petratos scored a long-ranger helping ATK Mohun Bagan beat Bengaluru FC 1-0. The loss was Bengaluru FC’s fifth of this Indian Super League (ISL) season.
It was Bengaluru that started the match on the front foot, troubling Bagan’s backline with a high press. They were almost instantly rewarded for their approach in the 5th minute with a goal kick. Javi Hernandez was in a one-on-one situation with Vishal Kaith when Pritam Kotal delivered the ball directly into his path. However, Hernandez struck the ball into the goalkeeper’s body.
#DimitriPetratos strike earns the Mariners all 3️⃣ points in #BFCATKMB 💥⚽#HeroISL #LetsFootball #BengaluruFC #ATKMohunBagan pic.twitter.com/YELBobahms
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 3, 2022
Bagan entered the match at the 30-minute mark, but in a cagey first period marked by strong challenges, they failed to find a rhythm to convert their ease into a chance on goal. Their greatest opportunity came from a left-wing cross from Subhasish Bose that caught Bengaluru off surprise and allowed Liston Colaco to get his head on the ball at the far post, but without control.
But in the 66th minute, Bengaluru made a mistake in possession, and they produced a magical moment. Hugo Boumous was given the ball after Ashique Kuruniyan snatched it from Suresh Wangjam. He set Petratos up, who picked up the ball on the turn and fired a strong curling shot from outside the box to easily defeat Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to his left.
"Dedication of the goal is to the fans and my family"
💬 @atkmohunbaganfc's main man #DimitriPetratos shares his thoughts on the goal and the mood of the team 👏🏻#BFCATKMB #HeroISL #LetsFootball #ATKMohunBagan pic.twitter.com/HXJmpnN97n
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 3, 2022
More errors were made in the defence, as Roy Krishna had a clear shot at the goal in the 69th minute thanks to a sloppy pass from the back. The striker made an attempt to take a low shot, but he was unsuccessful. Bengaluru FC had an opportunity to tie the score in the 85th minute when Hernandez’s exquisite touch in a packed area found substitute Sivasakti unmarked at the outside of the box. His only option was to poke the ball into the crossbar after the forward’s initial touch pulled the ball away from him. The host team fell to both Kolkata clubs at home this season, therefore that would be their last significant attempt.
With 16 points after the victory, ATK Mohun Bagan remains in fourth position. The next game is on December 8 against Jamshedpur FC. Bengaluru FC maintains their position of 9th with seven points. On December 11, they will travel to play Kerala Blasters.
