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PUN 0-0 BEN Full-time! The game’s done as both teams fail to score a goal. Now it all goes down to second-leg on Sunday. Having secured a place among the coveted top four teams in the Indian Super League (ISL), it’s time for FC Pune City and Bengaluru FC to lock horns in the first of the two-legged semi-finals at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex here on Wednesday. [caption id=“attachment_4269765” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File image of Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri. ISL[/caption] While Bengaluru FC topped the league standings with consistent performances in their debut season, FC Pune City made history by making it to the playoffs for the first time. Both FC Pune City and Bengaluru FC play an eye-catching attacking brand of football, and something similar will be expected of them when they clash for the third time this season. “Now is not the time to make changes to how we play. If we make changes now it may not work for us. When you play the league you have some games to make up,” FC Pune City head coach Ranko Popovic said during the pre-match press conference. “Now we have to be very careful. We have two games and nothing will be decided tomorrow, we need to play good in both games to make it to the finals,” he added. When asked about his teams strategy Popovic said: “It is very simple; score as many goals as possible and concede as less as possible. if we can do that, we’ll be in the final. We need to express ourselves the way we have been doing throughout the season. We have done very well in the season, and not going all the way will be disappointing.” After missing out the previous game, Pune City’s dynamic duo Marcelo Leite Pereira and Emiliano Alfaro will both be available for big clash. Commenting on their importance Popovic added: “Not having them is like Barcelona without Messi and Suarez.” The game in Pune will be the third meeting between the two teams. Bengaluru FC defeated the home side 3:1 during their last visit and the visitors will look to do an encore. Talking about their opponents, BFC assistant coach Naushad Moosa told reporters that it won’t be an easy game even though his team managed to top the league standings. “The first match we played against them, they were leading, it was only after they got a red card we scored three goals. FC Pune City is a tough team to play against and we are looking forward to it,” he said. While FC Pune City has played attacking football through the course of the season, there are question marks over their defense, and that is something Bengaluru would want to exploit. Moosa also felt that playing the first match in the playoff away from home is not a disadvantage as BFC hold a very good away record. “I really don’t think to play the first game away from home is a disadvantage. If you see our track record, we have a very good record away from home. We want to play positive football and win the game,” Moosa added. With inputs from IANS
Highlights ISL 2018, FC Pune City vs Bengaluru FC, Semi-final, 1st leg, Football Score and Updates: Both teams fail to break deadlock
Catch the live score and updates from the Indian Super League semi-final 1st leg match between FC Pune City and Bengaluru FC
 "Highlights ISL 2018, FC Pune City vs Bengaluru FC, Semi-final, 1st leg, Football Score and Updates: Both teams fail to break deadlock")
The famous Viking Clap! The fans were outstanding as usual. The players acknowledge it.
The famous Viking Clap! The fans were outstanding as usual. The players acknowledge it.
PEEEP PEEEEEEEP…
It’s a draw at the Balewadi Stadium as both Pune City and Bengaluru FC fail to convert chances in both the halves. Pune, surprisingly, were the better team on the night with a handful of goal-scoring opportunities. Bengaluru were outplayed in the middle of the park at times and they also couldn’t get enough bodies in number when they created chances.
It’s all down to the second leg in Bengaluru. The home team will have a slight edge but Pune have shown what they are capable of. The fast-paced gameplay can cause headaches to opposition teams. Not sure if Pune coach would be entirely happy with his team’s display.
PEEEP PEEEEEEEP…
It’s a draw at the Balewadi Stadium as both Pune City and Bengaluru FC fail to convert chances in both the halves. Pune, surprisingly, were the better team on the night with a handful of goal-scoring opportunities. Bengaluru were outplayed in the middle of the park at times and they also couldn’t get enough bodies in number when they created chances.
It’s all down to the second leg in Bengaluru. The home team will have a slight edge but Pune have shown what they are capable of. The fast-paced gameplay can cause headaches to opposition teams. Not sure if Pune coach would be entirely happy with his team’s display.
PUN 0-0 BEN
Full-time! The game’s done as both teams fail to score a goal. Now it all goes down to second-leg on Sunday.
PUN 0-0 BEN
Full-time! The game’s done as both teams fail to score a goal. Now it all goes down to second-leg on Sunday.
91’ PUN 0-0 BEN
Both the teams are trying to put in long balls upfront in search of the all-important goal. Pune have done brilliantly to stop Bengaluru’s attack but they have also missed a few clear cut chances in both the halves.
91’ PUN 0-0 BEN
Both the teams are trying to put in long balls upfront in search of the all-important goal. Pune have done brilliantly to stop Bengaluru’s attack but they have also missed a few clear cut chances in both the halves.
90’ PUN 0-0 BEN
It has not been a great game but both teams’ defender did a good job. Attacking wise, there was not much but football is not al about scoring. Meanwhile, three minutes of added time left.
90’ PUN 0-0 BEN
It has not been a great game but both teams’ defender did a good job. Attacking wise, there was not much but football is not al about scoring. Meanwhile, three minutes of added time left.
85’ PUN 0-0 BEN
It is frustrating to see Pune create a series of chances only to shoot it straight to the keeper. Popovic won’t be pleased with the lack of sharpness right when it’s needed the most.
85’ PUN 0-0 BEN
It is frustrating to see Pune create a series of chances only to shoot it straight to the keeper. Popovic won’t be pleased with the lack of sharpness right when it’s needed the most.
The West Block Blues have turned up to support their beloved Bengaluru FC. Away support is always important
The West Block Blues have turned up to support their beloved Bengaluru FC. Away support is always important
80’ PUN 0-0 BEN
These missed chances could prove costly for Popovic. Pune need to make the most of their chances to cause an upset against a formidable side like Bengaluru.
80’ PUN 0-0 BEN
These missed chances could prove costly for Popovic. Pune need to make the most of their chances to cause an upset against a formidable side like Bengaluru.
BIG CHANCE!
What an opportunity for Pune to open their account in the first leg. Pune players are just floating in the middle of the park, creating chances after chances. Alfaro picked the ball from the left of midfield and passed it to Marcelinho who then delivered a low cross for Isaac but the youngster couldn’t connect the ball neatly.
BIG CHANCE!
What an opportunity for Pune to open their account in the first leg. Pune players are just floating in the middle of the park, creating chances after chances. Alfaro picked the ball from the left of midfield and passed it to Marcelinho who then delivered a low cross for Isaac but the youngster couldn’t connect the ball neatly.
75’ PUN 0-0 BEN
Chance! Marcelinho does well to control the ball on the right and sent a pass to Issac but bad finishing disappoint the team.
75’ PUN 0-0 BEN
Chance! Marcelinho does well to control the ball on the right and sent a pass to Issac but bad finishing disappoint the team.
71’ PUN 0-0 BEN
Bengaluru looking for some pace as they introduce Udanta Singh in place of Boithang. So two players – Paartalu and Udanta have fresh legs to run and create something. Let’s see how this works out.
71’ PUN 0-0 BEN
Bengaluru looking for some pace as they introduce Udanta Singh in place of Boithang. So two players – Paartalu and Udanta have fresh legs to run and create something. Let’s see how this works out.
Gotta say, the atmosphere is terrific!
The fans have come out with their flags and banners to support their clubs tonight! #LetsFootball #PUNBEN https://t.co/tbuvujbD8r pic.twitter.com/Y6OC8tYsfM
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 7, 2018
Gotta say, the atmosphere is terrific!
The fans have come out with their flags and banners to support their clubs tonight! #LetsFootball #PUNBEN https://t.co/tbuvujbD8r pic.twitter.com/Y6OC8tYsfM
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 7, 2018
67’ PUN 0-0 BEN
Pune get a free-kick just outside the box on the left. Marcelinho comes up with a fiery shot but Gurpreet punches away the danger. Feels like something’s brewing up.
67’ PUN 0-0 BEN
Pune get a free-kick just outside the box on the left. Marcelinho comes up with a fiery shot but Gurpreet punches away the danger. Feels like something’s brewing up.
64’ PUN 0-0 BEN
Yet again, it is Pune who are creating spaces through the middle with ease. However, Marcelinho and Co have fluffed chances in the final third. Popovic’s 4-4-2 setup is slowly making the task a bit difficult than expected for Bengaluru.
64’ PUN 0-0 BEN
Yet again, it is Pune who are creating spaces through the middle with ease. However, Marcelinho and Co have fluffed chances in the final third. Popovic’s 4-4-2 setup is slowly making the task a bit difficult than expected for Bengaluru.
One legend talking about another!
"I'm rooting for my good friend @chetrisunil11!"
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 7, 2018
Tennis legend @Leander spoke to us about football - his first love, his predictions for tonight and more.#LetsFootball #PUNBEN #HeroISL pic.twitter.com/qfKymLdq8G
One legend talking about another!
"I'm rooting for my good friend @chetrisunil11!"
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 7, 2018
Tennis legend @Leander spoke to us about football - his first love, his predictions for tonight and more.#LetsFootball #PUNBEN #HeroISL pic.twitter.com/qfKymLdq8G
55’ PUN 0-0 BEN
Bengaluru have shown much-needed urgency in the second-half. They know the value of an away goal and the team definitely have the calibre to put Pune under pressure.
55’ PUN 0-0 BEN
Bengaluru have shown much-needed urgency in the second-half. They know the value of an away goal and the team definitely have the calibre to put Pune under pressure.
52’ PUN 0-0 BEN
Chance! Bengaluru almost scored the opening goal of the semi-final tie. The Pune defence was caught napping there. Chhetri heads the ball wide. Looks like Roca wants a quick response.
52’ PUN 0-0 BEN
Chance! Bengaluru almost scored the opening goal of the semi-final tie. The Pune defence was caught napping there. Chhetri heads the ball wide. Looks like Roca wants a quick response.
50’ PUN 0-0 BEN
Well, it’s a strong start for Pune in the second half. They are looking set to score at least one goal before the end of 90 minutes. Anything less than that would be disappointing for Popovic’s men.
50’ PUN 0-0 BEN
Well, it’s a strong start for Pune in the second half. They are looking set to score at least one goal before the end of 90 minutes. Anything less than that would be disappointing for Popovic’s men.
45’ PUN 0-0 BEN
Second-half is underway at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex. No changes for both the teams. Bengaluru will be keen to get an away goal while Pune will look to increase pressure on their opponents.
45’ PUN 0-0 BEN
Second-half is underway at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex. No changes for both the teams. Bengaluru will be keen to get an away goal while Pune will look to increase pressure on their opponents.
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