Bengaluru FC dominated Mumbai City FC with a 5-0 win in the ISL Playoffs Knockout 1 match on Saturday. As a result, they secured a spot in the semi-finals. Head coach Gerard Zaragoza praised his players for their outstanding performance. This victory marked the club’s biggest-ever playoff win.

A Commanding Victory

With this emphatic win, Bengaluru FC advanced to the semi-finals against FC Goa. Right from the start, they took control, leading 2-0 at halftime with goals from Suresh Singh Wangjam and Edgar Mendez. In the second half, Ryan Williams, Sunil Chhetri, and Jorge Pereyra Diaz added three more goals. Consequently, the team maintained pressure and sealed a dominant win.

Tactical Approach and Strategy

Zaragoza explained how his team adapted tactics to counter Mumbai City FC. He told that, “We studied what they did last game against us here at home. We were thinking they wanted to do exactly the same... We referred to this 4-4-3 diamond to be more on the middle so that Vinith (Venkatesh) and Suresh (Singh Wangjam) could help our full-backs and then also go to the space because that’s what we wanted with runners like Ryan (Williams) and Edgar (Mendez) to go to the spaces as much as we can. It was a good second half. They put Valpuia back and finished this 3-4-3 formation and then we entered with Sunil (Chhetri) to play in the 4-3-3 formation. The reality is that the players were in a top level. I think that we arrived at this moment in the best condition of the year. We have a game in four days and another in three, four days again but it is what it is. The playoffs are like this. We need to enjoy this night and then recover to arrive well in the game against FC Goa,” he said in the post-match press conference.

First Win Over Mumbai City FC This Season

Before this match, Bengaluru FC had not beaten Mumbai City FC this season. They played a goalless draw in Mumbai and later lost at home. However, this victory finally gave them confidence ahead of the semi-finals.

Zaragoza Wants More

When asked about this win’s significance in his career, Zaragoza expressed his hunger for more success. “On top, but I want more. This is not enough. I want more people. I know that it is a Wednesday (the first-leg semi-final fixture) but I want them (the fans) to enjoy it more. I want my players to follow them because all together, now we have two matches. It is all or nothing. If we want to play the final, we need to pass (the test) first from Kanteerava.”

Standout Performances

Suresh Singh Wangjam won Player of the Match after scoring a goal and providing an assist. Not only did his defensive work and pressing help Bengaluru FC keep a clean sheet, but his attacking contributions also made a difference. Even though he was substituted in the 65th minute, his impact remained crucial. Meanwhile, Zaragoza also praised goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who made five crucial saves. “Suresh is top. Suresh will always play in my team because the work that he does behind (the attack), the work that he does behind Sunil, it’s amazing. He’s a guy who will do everything that you say. I want to mention that we kept a clean sheet and Gurpreet (Singh Sandhu) was in an amazing mood. He did not receive this call for the national team, his mind could have go down. But he’s this kind of player that says, ‘No, I want to be better’ and he was where he needed to be.”

Looking Ahead

Now, Bengaluru FC prepares for the semi-final against FC Goa. Therefore, the team must recover quickly and stay focused. Moreover, their recent form and tactics will be key to reaching the ISL final.