Relegation Zone
Table of Contents
SC Bengaluru Secure 3-2 Win Over Real Kashmir FC in I-League to Move Out of Relegation Zone
SC Bengaluru secured a crucial 3-2 victory over Real Kashmir FC in a high-stakes I-League clash, moving themselves out of the relegation zone. The thrilling encounter, which was a battle for survival, was played in front of a passionate crowd, and it delivered an intense 90 minutes of action. With both teams fighting for vital points, the result proved to be pivotal in the fight to avoid relegation.
Pre-Match Context: A Fight for Survival
Before this match, SC Bengaluru found themselves in a precarious position at the bottom of the I-League standings, struggling for consistency throughout the season. Their recent form had been concerning, and a defeat here could have pushed them even closer to relegation. On the other hand, Real Kashmir FC, while slightly better positioned, were also not out of danger and had their own fight to ensure they wouldn’t slip into the relegation zone.
The match had all the ingredients of a classic relegation six-pointer. Both teams knew that three points were not just vital for the standings, but also for maintaining morale and confidence in the remaining games of the season. SC Bengaluru entered the match with the added pressure of needing to improve their goal-scoring record, having been largely dependent on defensive solidity, but with a lack of creativity upfront.
First Half: A Thrilling Start
The game kicked off at a rapid pace, with both teams showing their intent to press high up the pitch. SC Bengaluru made a statement early on, pushing forward with urgency. Their opening goal came in the 11th minute when Brazilian forward Pedro Manzi got onto the end of a well-delivered cross from the right wing. The striker was quick to react and made no mistake in slotting the ball past Real Kashmir’s goalkeeper, Shubham Sarangi, giving SC Bengaluru a crucial early lead.
Real Kashmir FC, however, wasn’t going to be easily rattled. They responded well, showing resilience in the face of adversity. In the 24th minute, they equalized in dramatic fashion. A well-executed corner kick from midfielder Rashid Kazi found the head of veteran defender Khalid Jamil, who powered a header past SC Bengaluru’s goalkeeper, Nikhil Sharma. The goal was a testament to Real Kashmir’s tactical preparation, as they had clearly studied SC Bengaluru’s defensive weaknesses on set-pieces.
With the score level at 1-1, both teams continued to trade blows. SC Bengaluru regained their lead just before halftime, in the 42nd minute, thanks to an excellent individual effort from winger Chencho Gyeltshen. After picking up the ball near the halfway line, Gyeltshen embarked on a mazy run that left several Real Kashmir defenders in his wake. He calmly slotted the ball past Sarangi to make it 2-1, sending the SC Bengaluru fans into raptures.
As the first half concluded, SC Bengaluru held a slender 2-1 advantage. The match was far from decided, and the second half promised even more excitement.
Second Half: Real Kashmir’s Response and the Decisive Blow
The second half began with Real Kashmir coming out with renewed energy, clearly determined to get back into the game. Coach David Robertson’s halftime words seemed to have fired up the players, and they went in search of the equalizer. SC Bengaluru, while holding onto the lead, looked increasingly vulnerable under pressure. The visitors dominated possession and launched several attacks on SC Bengaluru’s defense, with Kazi and forward Luka Majcen being the focal points of their offensive play.
In the 58th minute, Real Kashmir managed to draw level once again. This time, it was Luka Majcen who was the hero, capitalizing on a defensive mistake by SC Bengaluru. A misplaced pass from a Bengaluru defender fell straight to the feet of Majcen, who made no mistake and drilled the ball low into the bottom corner to make it 2-2. With this goal, Real Kashmir had leveled the score and left SC Bengaluru with a mountain to climb once again.
With the scoreline tied, it was clear that both teams would leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of victory. SC Bengaluru, despite being under pressure, displayed a strong attacking response. Their midfield began to dominate the possession as the game approached its final stages.
The decisive moment came in the 75th minute. SC Bengaluru’s star player, Pedro Manzi, made an immediate impact with a clever through ball that found Gyeltshen in space on the right wing. Gyeltshen, who had been one of the standout performers for Bengaluru all evening, made a perfect cross into the box for Manzi, who rose above the defenders and headed the ball into the back of the net, making it 3-2. The goal was a clinical example of SC Bengaluru’s attacking capabilities, with the combination between Manzi and Gyeltshen proving to be the difference-maker.
A Resilient Defense Holds On
With a 3-2 lead, SC Bengaluru had to show resilience in the final 15 minutes. Real Kashmir threw everything at them in search of an equalizer, but SC Bengaluru’s defense stood firm. Despite a few nervy moments, where Real Kashmir came close with a couple of dangerous crosses and set pieces, the Bengaluru defense, led by experienced center-backs Dinesh Singh and Brian Mascarenhas, held their ground. Nikhil Sharma, in goal, also made crucial saves, particularly in the final moments of the match when Real Kashmir was pushing for a late equalizer.
The final whistle blew to a chorus of cheers from the SC Bengaluru supporters, as they celebrated their team’s hard-fought 3-2 victory. This win not only handed them three valuable points but also lifted them out of the relegation zone, sending a strong message that they were ready to fight until the end of the season.
Post-Match Reactions: A Vital Victory
After the match, SC Bengaluru’s head coach, Mohamed Salah, expressed his relief and pride in his team’s performance. “We knew the stakes were high, and the boys showed great character today. We had to be resilient, especially after Real Kashmir came back twice. But we showed our quality, and that’s the most important thing.”
Real Kashmir’s coach, David Robertson, while disappointed with the result, praised his team’s effort. “We fought hard, but we made some mistakes, and in a game like this, you can’t afford to make mistakes. We’ll learn from this and keep fighting.”
The victory was crucial for SC Bengaluru, not only because it moved them out of the relegation zone, but also because it gave them the confidence to tackle the challenges in the remaining matches. Their survival in the I-League was now firmly in their own hands, and they would be hoping that this win would be the catalyst for a strong finish to the season.
Conclusion: A Glimmer of Hope for SC Bengaluru
SC Bengaluru’s 3-2 win over Real Kashmir FC was more than just a victory; it was a statement of intent in their battle for survival. The match had everything: goals, drama, tactical play, and a high level of commitment from both teams. For SC Bengaluru, it was a much-needed win that moved them out of the relegation zone, and the victory provided a platform for the team to build upon as they face the final stretch of the season. For Real Kashmir FC, it was a reminder of the fragility of their position in the table, and they would need to regroup quickly if they were to avoid being dragged into the relegation battle.
As the I-League season enters its final phase, SC Bengaluru’s performance against Real Kashmir FC will be remembered as a turning point in their fight for survival, demonstrating that in football, no situation is ever truly hopeless if the team shows resilience and determination.
