User:ArsenalFan700/2015–16 Bengaluru FC season

The Federation Cup was the primary cup competition in Indian football. It was first held in 1977–78 and was created by the All India Football Federation to provide a tournament for the top teams in India.^[1] Due to the Indian football calendar starting to become more congested due to the upstart Indian Super League, the AIFF originally decided against hosting the Federation Cup for the 2015–16 season.^[2] However, after consulting with the I-League clubs and the Asian Football Confederation, the AIFF decided to bring it back.^[2] It was also decided that the top eight teams from that season's I-League would qualify, that the tournament would be held on a two-legged home and away basis, and that it would take place after the I-League season.^[2]

In February 2016, it was announced that the Federation Cup would begin on 30 April and that each match-up would be determined by each team's position in the final I-League table.^[3] Bengaluru finished as I-League champions, meaning that the club qualified for the Federation Cup. It was announced that the club would take on Aizawl in the first round.^[4] Bengaluru entered the 2015–16 edition of the tournament as the cup holders and were hoping to win the Federation Cup for the second time in a row.^[4]

Prior to the start of the tournament, Bengaluru head coach Ashley Westwood stated that he felt that his side had been "consistent" and he hoped to carry that into the Federation Cup.^[4] Westwood also mentioned how his side were tired after making the long journey to Aizawl but that his side would play to win.^[4]

The first leg took place on 30 April at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium. Bengaluru took the lead early when midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh had a shot from long range hit the back of the net in the 15th minute.^[5] Aizawl started to take over the match afterwards and the club eventually found an equalizer in the 38th minute through Alfred Jaryan. Despite conceding an equalizer, Bengaluru were kept on the back foot by Aizawl and soon the club gave up a second goal when stiker Joel Sunday found the net in the 90th minute.^[5] The goal meant that Bengaluru would find themselves down 2–1 on aggregate going back to the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.^[5]

In the second leg, Aizawl extended their aggregate lead in the 26th minute through Joel Sunday.^[6] However, two minutes later, Bengaluru would get a goal back and equalize through C. K. Vineeth. Despite getting the goal, Bengaluru would soon concede again when Sunday scored his second of the match in the 37th minute.^[6] Bengaluru's fortunes didn't change in the second half as the club conceded a third goal in the 49th minute through a free kick from David Lalrinmuana, making it 5–2 on aggregate.^[6] Bengaluru would get a goal back before the end of the match, Sunil Chhetri converting from the penalty spot in the 74th munute.^[6] The goal was not enough though as Bengaluru were defeated 3–2 during the match and 5–3 on aggregate.^[6]

Aizawl v Bengaluru

30 April 2016 (2016-04-30) Quarter-finals	Aizawl	2–1	Bengaluru	Aizawl
15:00 IST	Jaryan 38' Sunday 90'	Report	Lyngdoh 15'	Stadium: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium Referee: Ajit Dutta

Bengaluru v Aizawl

3 May 2016 (2016-05-03) Quarter-finals	Bengaluru	2–3 (3–5 agg.)	Aizawl	Bangalore
21:00 IST	Vineeth 28' Chhetri 74' (pen.)	Report	Sunday 26', 37' Lalrinmuana 49'	Stadium: Sree Kanteerava Stadium

Colour key: Green = Bengaluru win; Red = opponents win.