Bengaluru FC missed out on a chance to create history as they went down to Iraq Air Force Club in the AFC Cup final.
They lost 0-1 in the title clash.
However, there were a lot of positives from the fact that an Indian club has made it to the final of Asia's major club tournament. While the result may not have gone our way, there are a lot of positives we can take away from this.
This is why we should be proud of out boys:
They became the first Indian club to play the final and that in itself is a big deal. Honestly speaking, no one expected them to make it this far and by surpassing our expectations, Bengaluru FC have outdone themselves.
We are a cricket-crazy nation and maybe this performance can make youngsters take notice of the beautiful game as a different option to bat and ball.
Despite the loss, India played some good football in the final. It indicates that there is no dearth of talent in the country and just some proper nurturing is required for that talent to blossom.
Bengaluru FC were a little rusty at times, but this finalist position opens up a new era in the club's history. They can only move forward and the players and coaches will look not to rest on their laurels and build on this performance
An Indian club in a major final? One hardly imagines it and yet it happened! By doing so, Bengaluru FC put India on the football map once again and people might just start to realise, we are better at things other than cricket.
Football has a future in the country. It is not a dead sport yet. Cricket may stay our religion, but the fanatical craze for football will be constant thanks to what Bengaluru FC have done.