AIFF Media Team

GOA: Bengaluru FC are close to becoming the first team to win the Airtel I-League on debut but will have to negotiate a tricky campaign in Goa.

The League leaders need a win from any of their last two matches in Goa, but knowing the way Bengaluru FC have approached their campaign, coach Ashley Westwood will not leave anything to chance in the concluding league game.

Bengaluru will look to settle the title race in their favour with victory against Dempo Sports Club at the Nehru Stadium, Goa, on Monday (April 21, 2014).

Bengaluru lead the title race with 41 points while East Bengal (40 points) and Salgaocar FC (38 points) are also in contention for the biggest prize in Indian football.

“I don’t think they (Bengaluru FC) will slip up and now they will be in the mood,” East Bengal coach Armando Colaco said after his team lost quite unexpectedly against Churchill and handed the title initiative to Bengaluru FC.

Not that Bengaluru needed any favours. They continue to be masters of their own destiny.

It has all worked fine for Bengaluru FC so far in the league, but at the other end Dempo Sports Club will be lying in wait. Dempo have been one of the more impressive Goan teams in the second phase and should provide more than just healthy competition to the visitors.

Arthur Papas’s side has undergone a massive transformation in the second phase, winning most of their matches.

“Our challenge is to match the motivation and ambition of Bengaluru FC as they are fighting to win the championship and their players will be very determined,” said Dempo coach Arthur Papas.

“Bengaluru have the led the league all season and set the standard for results on the field and as a club off the field. They have brought an increased level of professionalism to the I-League which can only be good,” said the Australian coach.

Bengaluru got the better of Dempo 3-1 at home but Papas believes that is hardly an advantage for the visitors.

“We are a different team from the first time we played; our >

While the result is deemed to have put Bengaluru under pressure, Westwood believes otherwise. “There is no pressure on us whatsoever. We are confirmed to finish top 3 and that was far higher than what was expected of me and my squad.

“The pressure is on East Bengal who have won back to back games only once this season and were expected to win the League with their squad and finances,” said Westwood, who is serving a one-match suspension and will not be on the sidelines on Monday.

“Dempo are a good side with a great squad who have underachieved this season so I'm sure they will be very tough opponents and will try to get a feather in their cap by beating us,” Westwood added.

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