FC Pune City recorded their second win of the Indian Super League season 2, as they got past NorthEast United FC at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune on Friday.
The home side, riding on an own goal from Zodingliana Ralte in the 73rd minute, managed a 1-0 win to move to the top of the table with six points.
Although Pune's Roger Johnson was adjudged the Hero of the Match, NorthEast United FC goalkeeper Gennaro Bracigliano hogged the limelight as he made some crucial saves to deny the opponents any goal in the first half.
The Frenchman started the game ahead of Indian goalkeeper Rehenesh and made an instant impact in the first half as he denied FC Pune City midfielder Adrian Mutu a half volley within 10 minutes of play to palm the ball out of play.
The resulting corner saw Nicky Shorey crossing it inside the box to Dharmaraj Ravanan, and the Indian defender's powerful header on the bounce was also safely collected by the Frenchman.
However, his moment of the game came in the 29th minute of play as he made two back-to-back stunning saves from Indian midfielders Fanai Lalrempuia and Israil Gurung.
The Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune was delighted as Mutu used his pace to get the ball clean through in the midfield and release Lalrempuia on the left. The Mizoram lad took a shot from the flank to force a stunner from Bracigliano.
And if that was not over, Israil Gurung capitalised on a lose ball just inside the box to force another impressive low save from the former Chennaiyin FC custodian.
Watch the moment from the game HERE.
In the closing stages as well, shots from Lenny Rodriguez and Kalu Uche were comfortably saved by the goalkeeper, and it only remains unfortunate that he could not bag a clean sheet tonight for his heroics in the goal for the away side.
