Tampines Rovers slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Indian champions Bengaluru FC, thanks to C.K. Vineeth's early strike, in an eventful AFC Cup quarterfinal first leg tie at the Sri Kanteerava Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Singapore side failed to score the desired away goal in a listless performance, which means an uphill struggle in the return leg at Jalan Besar Stadium on Sept. 21.
The match was played behind closed doors, with an earlier kickoff time, because of security concerns in the southern Indian city.
Tampines, who arrived in Bengaluru on Monday, were forced to train at their hotel car park.
After a scrappy start, there was little surprise when the hosts took an early lead through Vineeth's seventh minute strike.
Tampines were dealt another blow when captain Mustafic Fahrudin was stretchered off with a suspected hip injury, and replaced by Afiq Yunos in the 21st minute.
With their new Spanish coach Albert Roca in charge of his first competitive match, Bengaluru could have extended their lead on the half hour mark through Vineeth. But Tampines goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud was fast off his line to deny the forward.
The I-League champions finished the half well on top, but Tampines came out after the break with increased tempo through Jordan Webb and Jermaine Pennant.
The Singapore side, currently second in the S-League, were, however, struggling to create openings with striker Billy Mehmet often isolated up front.
Bengaluru almost doubled their lead in the 71st minute, through lively Vineeth in the 71st minute. And then, after a mix up in defence, midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh broke free in the box, but his left-footed shot was well saved by Izwan.
Tampines, who surprisingly failed to make a second-half substitution, applied extra pressure in the dying stages to produce that crucial away goal, but Bengaluru finished the game with a slight advantage to take to Singapore for next Wednesday's return leg.
Bengaluru FC: Arminder (GK), Antonio Juan, Sunil Chhetri, Alvaro Rubio, Nishu Kumar (Lalchhuan Mawia 56') John Johnson, Alwyn George (Singh 76'), Eugenesson Lyngdoh (Malsawzuala 84'), C.K. Vineeth, Cameron Watson, Rino Anto
Tampines Rovers: Izwan Mahbud (GK), Izzdin Shafiq, Jordan Webb, Jufri Taha, Mustafic Fahruddin (Afiq Yunos 21'), Izwan Mahbud, Yasir Hanapi, Ismadi Muhammad, Irwan Shah, Jermaine Pennant, Billy Mehmet