Mumbai City FC, who were on an 18-game unbeaten run, had an off day yesterday. The league toppers were defeated for the first time this season by 4th-placed Bengaluru FC. The Islanders playing their 19th game, were on track to record their 19th consecutive win before Bengaluru FC shocked the League Shield winners by scoring 2 goals against Mumbai’s one goal.
The game, being played at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, saw a great contest between both teams in the first half. Both teams were managing great counters and were challenging the opposition’s defense. However, it was Sunil Chhetri who broke the deadlock scoring a fantastic header to give the hosts the lead in the 57th minute.
A first loss in the #HeroISL for the League Shield Winners in 3️⃣4️⃣8️⃣ days! 🤯
We will fight for the City, today and forever! 💪💙#BFCMCFC #CityOfChampions #MumbaiCity #AamchiCity 🔵 pic.twitter.com/SfJvVT6rnR
— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) February 15, 2023
To make matters worse, Bengaluru FC pulled one back through a superb goal by Javi Hernandez in the 69th minute. Mumbai City FC threatened to bring down the deficit by making some strong attacks. And they succeeded when an excellent corner was converted by Mourtada Sergine Fall in the 77th minute. The team made consistent attacks to try and equalize but couldn’t succeed.
Despite the defeat, Buckingham spoke highly of his players and the records they achieved this season. “Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to continue that tonight but congratulations firstly to Bengaluru (FC). Now they had a couple of chances, took their chances and that came away at an important time for them with the three points. It is a good lesson for us. We need to be at the top of our game in every game to make sure that we get ourselves in a position to win the game,” Buckingham said in the post-match press conference.
He further stated, “Invincible is not something that we speak about as a staff group or players and we keep talking about it game to game. My job is to put the best team out for each game and I will continue to do that for the next game against Bengaluru FC and East Bengal. We’re far from finished yet.”
