ISL 2021-22: Prince Ibarra scores brace as Bengaluru FC dominate Mumbai City

Sandeep Shetty/Focus Sports/ ISL

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Bengaluru FC extended Mumbai City's winless streak with a thumping 3-0 victory at Fatorda on Monday. Mumbai have now collected only two points in the last five matches whereas Marco Pezzaiuoli's men are now only three points away from fourth place.

Danish Farooq (8') gave the Blues an early lead which was extended to three by Prince Ibara (23', 45') who scored a first-half brace with two towering headed goals.

The match started with Mumbai on the front foot. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was called into action early on - saving attempts from Cassio Gabriel and Bipin Singh within minutes following the kick-off. However, it was BFC that took the lead through Danish Farooq, whose left-footed drive from outside the box gave no chance to Phurba Lachenpa in Mumbai's goal. This flipped the momentum with BFC growing increasingly dominant.

Prince Ibara smashed in a header from close range to double the lead from an excellent cross by right fullback Naorem Roshan Singh. BFC continued to amp up the pressure, creating several more scoring opportunities. Roshan was at the heart of everything. Deep into first half stoppage time, the domination translated to a goal on the scorecard. Ibara outjumped Mourtada Fall once again to bury a header with the last touch before halftime. Roshan Naorem was once again the provider with an accurate, whipped, corner.

The start of the second half saw more of the same, with BFC threatening to score. However, Mumbai got more hold of the ball more often and created better chances to reduce the deficit.

Sunil Chhetri was brought on to replace Ibara and that slowed BFC down just a touch. Five minutes past the hour mark, Apuia saw his half-volley from long-range hit the right-sided post and come out.

Ajith Kumar replaced Roshan who was struggling with a muscle issue late into the match. The fourth official added five minutes for stoppages but Mumbai could not break a resolute BFC defence. Gurpreet and co. held on to a well-deserved clean sheet and secured all three points in what was an impressive overall performance.

Bengaluru FC will next turn up against ATK Mohun Bagan at the Fatorda on Saturday while Mumbai City FC meets Kerala Blasters FC at the Tilak Maidan on Sunday.