Match facts
When: Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Start time: 2045 local (6:15 pm IST)
Where: Larkin Stadium, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Big Picture
There are some facts about Bengaluru FC's run to the semi-finals of the AFC Cup this year that bear acknowledgement. This is the three-year-old club's first foray into the last four of one of Asia's most prestigious club competitions, and in this they have emulated Dempo -- the Goans had a storied history of over 40 years when they lost to Safa of Lebanon 5-1 on aggregate in the 2008 semi-finals -- and one of Kolkata's traditional powerhouses East Bengal, who were beaten by eventual champions Al-Kuwait in the 2013 semis, as the only Indian clubs to have come this far.
They have also adjusted seamlessly to a change in managerial reigns, with Albert Roca adding some tactical acumen to the organisation and flair that typified the reigning I-League champions under Ashley Westwood. They may have beaten Singapore's Tampines Rovers only 1-0 on aggregate, but their dominance especially during the first leg at home could have translated into a more emphatic scoreline.
All of that goes out of the window when faced with the champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), who are in the midst of a season where they can seem to do no wrong. The two teams met in the group stages as well, and while Bengaluru have never beaten JDT in three meetings, the margins have always been close, barring their last meeting in May, which was only of academic interest after both teams had already qualified from their group. JDT last failed to find the net in a competitive match in April, and that could be the biggest challenge facing Bengaluru.
In the spotlight
Johor Darul Ta'zim are a team that like to score goals, and that has been in evidence through this AFC Cup defence, where they have clocked up 31 goals in just nine matches already. Their most prolific scorer is Mohammad Safiq Rahim, the versatile midfielder who has contributed seven goals. He could have had one more, but missed from the penalty spot in the second leg of the quarter-final against South China. His midfield battles against the trio of Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Cameron Watson and Alvaro Rubio could be critical in dictating the direction of both legs.
Albert Roca has lined up with the same eleven in his first two matches in charge, and his most significant investment in faith has been with teenaged left-back Nishu Kumar, who was drafted into the Bengaluru team by Roca's predecessor but only given one match as a starter in the last I-League, the inconsequential final clash away to Mohun Bagan. Nishu had a big role in dealing with both Jermaine Pennant and Jordan Webb in the two quarter-final legs, and that's where he will have to chip in again.
Stats and numbers
JDT have not lost a single match in their last 23 competitive outings at their home ground.
Bengaluru FC have won four matches away in Asian competition - two each in the AFC Cup last year and in 2016.
JDT's nine matches in the AFC Cup this year have produced eight wins and their only draw was away to South China in the quarterfinals.
Bengaluru FC are the third team from India, after Dempo and East Bengal, to have made the semi-finals, while JDT are the only team from all of South-East Asia to have played the final.
Form guide (last five matches, most recent first)
Johor Darul Ta'zim WWDWW
Bengaluru FC DWWLL