Vasco: Odisha FC got off to a dream start in ISL-8, getting the better of former champions Bengaluru FC 3-1 at Tilak Maidan here on Wednesday night.
Spaniard Javier Hernandez was the star of the show, netting two goals, before another Spanish player, substitute Aridai Suarez added a third goal deep into stoppage time.
Victory was even more sweet for Odisha FC as it was the first time that they got the better of 2018-19 champions Bengaluru FC in ISL history.
Having finished at the bottom of the standings last season, Odisha FC made the ideal start to their new campaign as they took the lead in the third minute of the match. A horrible misunderstanding in Bengaluru defence saw Hernandez in possession of the ball. He showed his presence of mind by lobbing the ball over out-of-position goalkeeper and defenders into an empty net.
Alan Costa levelled scores with a header after 21 minutes.
Six minutes after half-time, Hernandez scored with a brilliant left-footed free-kick that gave an outstretched Gurpreet Sandhu no chance.
Indian captain Sunil Chhetri had a golden opportunity to help Bengaluru equalize a second time, but his shot crashed against the post. Though the rebound was pushed into the Odisha FC goal, it was ruled out for an infringement.
