Pune: The first semi-final of the fourth Indian Super League (ISL) edition ended in a stalemate as both Pune City and Bengaluru FC played out a goalless draw at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Pune, on Wednesday.
Gigen their recent form of 12 unbeaten run of games, Bengaluru were always the favourites but Pune measured up to the challenge till the final whistle, denying the visitors the crucial away goal, a rule that has been introduced in this edition of ISL for the first time.
While Pune had a glorious chance to win the game late on in the second half, Bengaluru played their best football in the first 45 minutes.
After letting the home team dominate possession in the first quarter, ‘The Blues’ slowly made their way back, with captain Sunil Chettri testing Pune City goalkeeper Vishal Kaith’s agility from a free kick after Gurtej Singh brought down Miku just outside the box. From the resulting corner kick, Miku came close to opening the scoring but his header from close range flew over the bar.
Other than a cheeky backheel attempt from Marcelinho from an Ashique Kuruniyan cross in the 36th minute, FC Pune City’s efforts on goal in the first half came mostly from outside the box which didn’t really threaten Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh.
Both teams went into the break knowing they hadn’t really put enough pressure on the opposition. After the restart, Pune took the initiative. First, Kuruniyan took a shot from distance at goal which was well blocked by the Bengaluru denfese. A minute later, it was Emiliano Alfaro’s turn to have a crack at goal but his shot was also blocked by the defenders.
The pattern of play continued to develop in the same fashion as the second half progressed. Pune City wanted to make most of the home conditions and looked eager to get a goal. Bengaluru, on the other hand, seemed to have settled for a draw in their mind already.
Then came the big moment for Pune. With just 15 minutes left on the clock Marcelinho, who worked the channels all night, found himself in space to square a ball for Isaac Vanmalsawma for an easy tap-in. But the striker got his effort horribly wrong and the ball went wide of the goal.