BFC vs MMB

It was the night of all nights on the 30th of May. 

A few dark clouds hung over the Bangalore sky making it a sweaty afternoon. Almost everyone who knows the city's weather would have known that rain was imminent. What was also imminent was the clash of the titans which would determine the champions of i-Legaue. The national football league in India. 

Going into this match were Bengaluru FC (BFC) and McDowell's Mohun Bagan (MMB). Two teams which by far had been the most consistent sides of the league. Bengaluru FC went in the final game 2 points behind the leaders MMB. BFC has well and truly captured the imagination of the city and the football fans in the city by winning the i-League in 2013/14. While MMB is one of the most decorated clubs in the country along with their cross town neighbors KingFisher East Bengal. This promised to be a treat night for the fans. And boy, did it live up to that billing. All MMB needed was a draw, while BFC had to win the game to be crowned champions. 

As we got closer to the kick off the rains gods decided to show up to an event of such magnitude too. Braving the rain 21786 fans trooped into the Sri Kanteerva stadium to support the home team BFC. West Block A was buzzing as usual, but the North Stand gave a good account of themselves too. 

BFC started the game on the front foot and created the openings in the meanest defense of the league so far. Rooney made runs which left the MMB central defence clueless at times. The finishing however did not come. Udanta and Robin ably supported him, but a slippery pitch is a footballer's nightmare and that did not help in sustained attacks. Just about when the fans were set to resign themselves to a goalless first half, BFC earned a corner from the left flank. As the ball curved towards the penalty spot, John Johnson rose above everyone else and headed home the opening goal. Sri Kanteerva exploded and so did Eddie the club mascot. He did a small jig just behind the MMB goalpost. All that effort of the season was paying off and BFC were one 'half' away from retaining the championship. 

It stayed 1-0 till the lemon break. 

Second half started and the rains gods took the matter into their own hands. It poured cats and dogs as MMB looked for an equaliser. Sony Norde and Katsumi Yusa gave Curtis Osano and Johnson a lot to think of. Osano in particular was awesome keeping MMB at bay. And when MMB managed to get through him they had Ralte to contend with. Ralte the BFC goalie made a stunning one handed save in the 85th minute to deny a spirited MMB effort again but the clearing failed and the result was a corner. In came the ball and like Johnson in the first half, Rasaq the MMB central defender beat his marker to slip the ball past Ralte. MMB fans, players, coaching staff were sent into a tizzy. Chettri came of the bench in a last bid effort to salvage a goal and retain the championship. But the goal that mattered did not arrive. 

MMB were crowned champions and BFC and BFC fans were left thinking of what could have been. 

There is a 6 month gap now before the 2015/16 season begins and the fans can get to see their stars in action again. But one thing for sure is come next season, BFC fans will be back supporting their team to the hilt shouting, "This is Bengaluru FC .. Ahou Ahou Ahou!"

You can know more about namma Bangalore Football Club at: http://www.bengalurufc.com/

Here are some pictures from the match.

Crowd from BFC stand-the sea of blue.

BFC vs MMB( i-league 2015)