Bengaluru FC looking to wrap up I-League title against Dempo

Bengaluru FC would look to clinch their maiden I-League title in their debut season with a victory over Dempo FC in their penultimate league match at Nehru Stadium on Monday.

Bengaluru FC, who are leading the table with 41 points from 22 matches, need three points from two remaining matches to emerge as I-League champions and they would want to complete their historic achievement with a win on Monday and not wait for the last game.

Second-placed East Bengal, on the other hand, had bounced back into the reckoning for the title with a win against Pune FC.

They will be hoping that Benguluru FC lose both their remaining matches in Goa to have a chance for the title.

Dempo, who are looking to end among the top five, are looking for the challenge against Bengaluru FC.

"Our challenge is to match the motivation and ambition of Bengaluru FC as they are fighting to win the championship and their players will be very determined," Dempo coach Arthur Papas said.

Asked about his opinion of the performance of Bengaluru FC, the Australian said, "Bengaluru have led the league all season and set the standard for results on the field and as a club off the field. They have brought an increased level of professionalism to the I-League which can only be good."

Dempo made a quick turnaround after suffering a loss against Salgaocar last month by winning against Mohammedan Sporting and Churchill Brothers. The Golden Eagles will now have a chance to finish among the top five of the I-league if they beat Bengaluru on Monday.

However, Dempo will be without their talismanic striker Tolgay Ozbey due to suspension. With just two rounds to end the league, Dempo have 32 points from 22 matches.

In their first leg encounter, Bengaluru had defeated Dempo 3-1 at home.

According to Papas, his squad has changed since then and he would rather be optimistic about the result this time.

"We are a different team from the first time we played; our style of football is now more ingrained and has become more efficient due to the players that arrived as the season progressed. Our second half of the season has been as good as any team at the top," said Papas.