ISL: Bengaluru FC beat Jamshedpur amid controversy- Talking points

Bengaluru FC ended their three-game winless run at home with a commanding 3-0 victory over Jamshedpur FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, on Sunday.

The win propelled the Blues to fourth place in the Indian Super League (ISL) standings with 31 points from 20 matches.

A clinical display from Alberto Noguera, who netted twice, and a goal from Edgar Mendez ensured Bengaluru FC secured a comfortable victory.

Jamshedpur FC struggled to break through the resolute Bengaluru defense, while goalkeeper Albino Gomes kept them in the game early on with key saves, including a penalty stop against Sunil Chhetri.

However, the match was not without controversy, as a quick restart from Chhetri in the lead-up to the opening goal left Jamshedpur FC furious, arguing that the referee had not given them enough time to organize their defense.

Here are the five key talking points from the match.

#5. Albino Gomes creates history

Jamshedpur FC goalkeeper Albino Gomes was a standout performer in the opening minutes, making crucial saves to deny Bengaluru’s early chances.

His biggest moment came in the 12th minute when he saved Sunil Chhetri’s penalty, making him the goalkeeper with the most penalty saves in ISL history (7).

His reflexes kept Jamshedpur in the contest for a while, but the visitors ultimately failed to capitalize on his heroics.

#4. Edgar Mendez breaks the deadlock

Despite an intense first half, Bengaluru FC had to wait until the 43rd minute to find the breakthrough.

Sunil Chhetri, quick to take a free kick after winning a foul, caught the Jamshedpur defense off guard and set up Edgar Mendez, who slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

Jamshedpur FC players protested the goal, arguing that they were not given time to reset their defensive shape.

However, the referee allowed play to continue, and the goal stood.

#3. Alberto Noguera's free-kick magic

In the 57th minute, Bengaluru FC extended their lead through a set-piece situation.

Alberto Noguera delivered a curling free kick into the box, intended for Rahul Bheke, but the ball evaded everyone, including goalkeeper Gomes, and nestled into the net.

This goal effectively put Bengaluru in control, allowing them to dictate the game.

#2. Defensive blunders

Jamshedpur FC’s night went from bad to worse in the 82nd minute when defender Lazar Cirkovic, under pressure from Noguera, lost possession at the edge of the penalty area.

Noguera capitalized on the mistake, surged forward, and smashed the ball into the net, securing his second goal of the night and sealing the win for Bengaluru FC.

#1. Controversy over Chhetri's quick free-kick

The biggest talking point of the match was the controversy surrounding Bengaluru FC's opening goal. Chhetri took a quick free kick after winning a foul, catching Jamshedpur FC's defense off guard.

The Jamshedpur players protested, insisting that the referee should have ensured they were set before allowing play to continue.

According to the IFAB Laws of the Game, a dropped ball is given only to the team that last touched the ball before it hit the referee.

All other players must stay at least 4 meters (4.5 yards) away until the ball is in play. This means the team receiving the dropped ball can take possession freely without immediate pressure from opponents.

Despite the protests, the referee ruled that Chhetri’s restart was within the laws, allowing Bengaluru to capitalize and take the lead. The decision sparked debate, with some believing the goal was fair while others argued that Jamshedpur FC should have been given time to reorganize.

What’s next?

Both Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC face NorthEast United FC in their upcoming fixtures. Jamshedpur will play on February 13, while Bengaluru will take the field on February 21.