(Football news) Reigning champions Mumbai City FC suffered their fourth defeat of the campaign at the hands of Bengaluru FC who defeated them 3-0 at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda. The defending champions’ poor run of form continued, picking up only two points from their last five matches while Bengaluru FC are only three points away from fourth place in the Indian Super League table. The Blues took an early lead in the 8th minute through Danish Farooq while a brace by Prince Ibara in the 23rd and 45th minute were enough to secure the three points.

Minutes after the kick off, Gurpreet Sandhu was forced to make saves from Cassio Gabriel and Bipin Singh. However, Bengaluru FC took the lead in the 8th minute through Danish Farooq whose left footed shot from outside the box went past Phurba Lachenpa. Prince Ibara then doubled the lead in the 23rd minute with a towering header from close range after a cross from Roshan Naorem. The Blues created a lot more opportunities as the Islanders continuously found themselves on the backfoot. 

To make matters worse, Prince Ibara scored again with a header from Roshan Naorem’s corner as the game quickly went out of reach for Des Buckingham’s men. The second half largely continued in the same way as Bengaluru FC created more opportunities but Mumbai City FC ensured they kept possession and tried to get back into the game. Sunil Chhetri replaced Ibara who suffered an injury and Apuia saw his half-volley from long range hit the post in the 65th minute. 

Naorem was also forced to be substituted due to a muscle injury as Ajith Kamaraj replaced him on the pitch. Despite five minutes added for stoppages by the fourth official, Mumbai City FC couldn’t score a single goal as Bengaluru FC finished the game with three goals to their name and a clean sheet. The Blues will next face ATK Mohun Bagan at the PJN Stadium on Saturday, 15th January while Mumbai City FC will take on Kerala Blasters at the Tilak Maidan on Sunday, 16th January.

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