Bengaluru : ISL FC Bengaluru United Triumphs 4-3 in a Thrilling Comeback Victory

Bengaluru,: In one of the most electrifying BDFA Super Division games of the season, FC Bengaluru United (FCBU) secured a dramatic 4-3 win over Rebels FC. Battling the rain and playing with just 10 men for a better part of the game FC Bengaluru United showed resilience, grit, and moments of individual brilliance to seal a thrilling win. Down twice in the game, FC Bengaluru United dug deep to claw back and snatch victory in stoppage time (Dhruv 13’, Rohit 72’, Akshunna, 85’, Rakesh 90+3’).

The match began with both teams trying to dominate possession, keen on dictating the tempo. Early on Suraj Rawat came tantalisingly close to putting FCBU ahead, unleashing a powerful shot from outside the penalty area that skimmed just over the bar. Rebels FC, however, capitalised on their first major chance, curling in a precise free kick to take a 1-0 lead.

FCBU responded with renewed vigour, and Aqib’s explosive run through the Rebels’ defence drew a foul just outside the box. Dhruv took the resulting free kick with precision and finesse, sending the ball curling into the top-right corner to restore parity at 1-1 in the 13th minute. With momentum on their side, FCBU pushed forward relentlessly, orchestrating another promising attack where Dhruv’s driving run opened up the defence, but Jerry’s attempt was smothered by the goalkeeper. As the half progressed, FCBU suffered a setback when goalkeeper Manju brought down a Rebels attacker in the box. The resulting penalty was converted, leaving FCBU trailing 2-1 at the break and down to 10 men, with Manju being handed a red card.

FCBU emerged from halftime determined to overturn the deficit, employing a more dynamic approach – the team maintained relentless pressure, with one effort ricocheting off the crossbar, tantalisingly close to equalising. The breakthrough came in the 72nd minute with a moment of sheer magic. Rohit received the ball well outside the penalty area, took a single touch to steady himself, and unleashed a thunderous strike that soared into the top-right corner. It was a goal worthy of framing, tying the game at 2-2 and igniting the FCBU faithful!

Despite the momentum shift, Rebels FC regained the lead shortly after, exploiting a momentary lapse in defensive focus as FCBU’s backline failed to track runners, making it 3-2. Refusing to back down, FCBU upped the intensity. In the 85th minute, Akshunna, with a clever turn, was brought down inside the box, earning a crucial penalty. The forward stepped up confidently and delivered a cheeky chip down the middle, catching the goalkeeper off balance to bring FCBU level at 3-3.

As the match headed into stoppage time, FCBU’s relentless pursuit of a winner paid off. In the dying moments, Dhruv delivered a perfectly weighted ball into the penalty area, finding Rakesh as the sole forward in the box. With sublime control, Rakesh took the ball over one defender with his first touch, sidestepped another with his second, and drilled it into the bottom-right corner with clinical precision.

The 4-3 win was a testament to FCBU’s never-say-die attitude, tactical adaptability, and individual brilliance. Their thrilling comeback will go down as one of the highlights of the season thus far.