Mumbai hold Blues to a draw

Bengaluru, April 7: Champions Bengaluru FC kept their composure to pull off a 1-1 draw with Mumbai FC in an ill-tempered and highly physical Hero I-League match here Tuesday. It was the fourth straight tie between the two teams.

Mumbai, after forging ahead in the 67th minute on a goal by Rahul Bheke, conceded the equalizer two minutes from the end of regulation period with Robin Singh doing the honours for the hosts, but was given marching orders soon after.

Referee Ranjit Bakshi certainly had his hands full in more ways than one with tempers on the edge and the consequent fouls, and the official was busy flashing cards at the offenders before pulling out the red card to Robin Singh.

For Mumbai, it was a result they would not mind especially after having lost their previous game at home 6-0 and the visitors did just enough to walk away with one point, something that left Bengaluru FC, who were looking to close the gap with leaders Mohun Bagan, quite frustrated.

Mumbai coach Khalid Jamil benched five players from the previous game and the changes seemed to have fetched him the desired dividends. IANS