Bengaluru FC continued their upward momentum in the Indian Super League 2025-26 season with a commanding 3-1 victory over Inter Kashi at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday.
A decisive second-half brace from Braian Sánchez proved to be the difference, as the Blues capitalised on key moments to secure all three points away from home. The win lifts Bengaluru FC to fourth place in the standings with 11 points from six matches, reinforcing their push towards the top three. Inter Kashi, meanwhile, remain in the lower half with five points, left to rue missed opportunities and costly defensive lapses.
Early Control and Ashique’s Moment of Brilliance
Under Renedy Singh, Bengaluru FC began the contest with authority, dominating possession and dictating tempo in the early stages. Their midfield, led by Sirojiddin Kuziev, ensured control, while the wide players stretched Inter Kashi’s defensive shape.
The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute, courtesy of a moment of individual quality from Ashique Kuruniyan. Pressing high up the pitch, Ashique dispossessed Inter Kashi captain Sumeet Passi and surged forward with intent. Without hesitation, he unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that flew into the top-left corner, leaving goalkeeper Lluis Tarrés with no chance.
The goal was a reflection of Bengaluru’s aggressive pressing structure—forcing turnovers in advanced areas and converting them into high-quality chances.
Photo: Santanu Biswas /Focus Sports/ ISL
Despite Bengaluru’s dominance, Inter Kashi gradually grew into the game, finding spaces in transition. Their response came in the 38th minute through Alfred Planas, who finished clinically from inside the box to restore parity.
The equaliser shifted momentum briefly, as Inter Kashi began to play with more confidence, particularly through their wide areas. Bengaluru, however, remained composed, ensuring the first half ended level at 1-1.
Second Half: Tactical Battle Intensifies
The second half saw a more balanced contest, with both sides creating opportunities. Inter Kashi looked dangerous on the counter, while Bengaluru continued to rely on structured build-up play and set-piece opportunities. Planas nearly gave the hosts the lead early in the half, while Bengaluru responded through Sunil Chhetri, who tested Tarrés and later came close with a header that drifted narrowly wide.
As the game progressed, Bengaluru’s superior game management began to show. Their ability to sustain pressure and create second-phase opportunities proved crucial.
The decisive moment came in the 69th minute. From a well-delivered free-kick by Kuziev, Tarrés failed to deal with the aerial ball, allowing Sánchez to capitalise. The Argentine made no mistake, heading into an unguarded net to restore Bengaluru’s lead at 2-1.
It was a goal that highlighted Bengaluru’s efficiency in set-piece situations—an area where they consistently created pressure throughout the match.
With the lead regained, Bengaluru shifted gears, focusing on controlling the tempo and limiting Inter Kashi’s attacking transitions. The hosts continued to push for an equaliser, with Rohit Danu coming close late in the game, but lacked the composure in the final third.
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As Inter Kashi committed numbers forward in search of a late goal, spaces began to open up. Deep into stoppage time, a costly error from Tarrés handed Bengaluru the opportunity to seal the match.
Sánchez intercepted the loose ball and, spotting the goalkeeper out of position, struck from long range to score his second of the night in the 98th minute. The goal not only confirmed the result but also underlined Bengaluru’s clinical edge in decisive moments.
Bengaluru FC’s performance was built on three key pillars—structured pressing, midfield control, and set-piece efficiency. Their ability to win the ball high up the pitch created early momentum, while their composure in possession ensured sustained pressure.
Sánchez’s influence extended beyond his goals. His movement between lines and ability to exploit defensive gaps made him a constant threat, while Kuziev’s delivery from set-pieces added another dimension to Bengaluru’s attack. Inter Kashi, on the other hand, showed glimpses of attacking intent, particularly through transitions. However, defensive lapses especially in dealing with aerial balls and maintaining concentration in key moments proved costly.
What This Means Going Forward
For Bengaluru FC, this victory marks an important step in their campaign. With momentum building and key players finding form, they now look like serious contenders for a top-three finish. The combination of experienced figures like Chhetri and emerging contributors like Sánchez and Ashique gives them both balance and depth.
Inter Kashi, despite the defeat, will take positives from their attacking phases but must address defensive inconsistencies. Their inability to manage crucial moments particularly set-pieces and late-game situations continues to hinder their progress.
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In a contest that ebbed and flowed, Bengaluru FC’s clinical execution in decisive moments set them apart. While Inter Kashi matched them for phases of the game, it was Sánchez’s composure and finishing that ultimately defined the outcome.
As the season progresses, performances like this controlled, efficient, and ruthless when it matters could prove vital for Bengaluru FC’s ambitions.
