An under-strength Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) crashed out of the AFC Cup after the defending champions were comprehensively beaten 3-1 by Bengaluru FC in the second leg of their semifinal on Wednesday night.
Bengaluru, who were powered by a Sunil Chhetri brace in front of their home fans to progress 4-2 on aggregate, became the first Indian side to advance to the final of the continental competition. They will face Iraq's Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in the championship match on Nov. 5.
Al Quwa downed Lebanon's Al-Ahed 3-2 on Tuesday, to advance 4-3 on aggregate.
At the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Mario Gomez went for a lineup to hurt the hosts on the counter-attack, with Safee Sali operating as a lone striker in the absence of Juan Martin Lucero, Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Amri Yahyah.
Safiq Rahim played in the hole behind him, as Amirulhadi Zainal and Hariss Harun were entrusted to plug the gaps in midfield. Azrif Nasrulhaq, meanwhile, started on the right wing, with Azamuddin Akil marshalling the other flank.
The Argentine's formation paid dividends after 11 minutes, as the defending champions took the lead from their first foray forward after weathering early Bengaluru pressure.
After receiving possession in midfield, Safiq was quick to feed Safee on the right wing. The veteran striker received the ball clean on goal, and his rasping shot was too hot for Arminder, who could only palm it forwards.
Safiq was quickest to react to the goalkeeper's error, and headed home for his eighth goal of the tournament.
Despite the fact that luck was not on our side tonight,I would like to congratulate the JDT team. Well done to all who have given everything pic.twitter.com/oaqxqdNSbz
- JOHORSouthernTigers (@OfficialJohor) October 19, 2016
Stung by the opener, Bengaluru regrouped and came at JDT, who begin to pile men behind the ball. Chhetri had two opportunities to level proceedings after 18 minutes, but the striker was first denied by Izham Tarmizi's outstretched palm before his follow-up found the crossbar.
Those two chances came from Eugenesson Lyngdoh's corner, which were proving a handful for the JDT backline.
So, it was no surprise when they equalised in the 41st minute. Lyngdoh's perfect delivery from another corner found Chhetri, who headed home unmarked past a static Izham.
The second half belonged entirely to the home side, who could have taken the lead two minutes after the break.
But Chhetri, who had been afforded space on the edge of the box, fired his shot wide.
After Lyngdoh forced a save from Izham, Bengaluru took a deserved lead through a Chhetri screamer midway through the second half.
With three players surrounding him, that appeared little the striker could do when he received the ball 30 yards from goal.
But with one instep, India's all-time top marksman swiveled, and fired a stupendous hit that flew past Izham.
Roared on by the fervent support, the Indian champions sealed the tie eight minutes later through another set piece.
It was Lyngdoh, again, who floated in a mercurial delivery, and Juanan glanced home a header for the deserved triumph.
JDT substitute Junior Eldstal had a late chance to reduce the deficit. But he could only fire straight at Arminder, as Bengaluru went on to celebrate one of the biggest nights in their history.
JDT: Izham Tarmizi (GK), Aidil Zafuan, Marcos Antonio, Fazly Mazlan, S.Kunanlan, Safiq Rahim (C), Amirulhadi Zainal (Gary Steven Robbat 62'), Azamuddin Akil (Junior Eldstal 81'), Safee Sali, Harris Harun, Azrif Nasrulhaq
Bengaluru: Arminder Singh (GK), Juanan, John Johnson, Rino Anto, Nishu Kumar, Alvaro Rubio, Eugenesson Lynghdoh, Cameron Watson, Alwyn George, C.K. Vineeth, Sunit Chettri (C) (Keegan Pereira 79')