Bengaluru FC go down 1-2 to Atletico Saguntino in pre-season opener in Spain

Indian Super League side Bengaluru FC went down fighting 1-2 against Atletico Saguntino in their first friendly game at the Masia La Grava facility in Alboraya on Saturday.

David Fas scored the opening goal for Saguntino in the seventh minute after a goalkeeping error by Sonam Poirei found the forward in an open position. He made no mistake to slot the ball home.

Having fallen behind by a goal, Bengaluru slowly grew into the game and created ample of chances most of them coming through new signing Xisco Hernandez. Lack of killing edge in the final third, however, hurt their chances as both teams went into the break.

The captains exchange pleasantries and more before the start of the game. Saguntino scored late to win the friendly 2-1 #BluesInSpain #ATSvBFC pic.twitter.com/bYD5UgUIXv

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) August 4, 2018

The Indian side started with the same vigor and looked relentless in their search for the important equaliser. They dominated the proceedings in the first 15 minutes of the second half but Saguntino fought back drawing back-to-back saves from Poirei, who returned back from his opening gaffe to keep Bengaluru in the game.

Playmaker, Dimas Delgado then levelled the scores after getting to the end of Udanta Singh’s cross in the 53^rd minute. The Spaniard returning to the turf for the first time ever since his injury in the ISL final against Chennaiyin FC back in March was full of confidence.

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Bengaluru continued their dominance creating more chances through Xisco who impressed on his debut. He, however, failed to inspire his team to a victory as Saguntino scored a late winner in the 84^th minute to seal the win.

“We’ve been working hard all these days and these games are an opportunity for us to try on the pitch what we have been training for. It’s important to give an opportunity to all the players. We have a mix in the team where a few players have got a lot of game time while there are those who haven’t competed professionally,” said new BFC coach Carles Cuadret after the match.

He was pleased with the team’s performance in their opening encounter ahead of facing bigger teams during their time in Spain.

“I was happy with the performance in the game against Saguntino because for large periods, we played the football we have been training for, and we gave a good account of ourselves against a tough opponent.”

Meanwhile, Bengaluru next face UAE Pro League team Shabab Al Ahli Dubai FC on August 6.