The former EPL champions Blackburn Rovers visited India in the last quarter of 2011. Stars like Christopher Samba, David Hoilett, Michel Salgado, Jason Roberts, Ayegbeni Yakubu, David Dunn were a part of the Squad that visited India.
So here’s a little about their recent history - Blackburn Rovers were the winners of the 1994 – 1995 edition of the Premier League and finished second in the 1993-94 edition. They won the Football League cup in 2002 and finished runners up in the 1994 and the 1995 edition of the Community Shield.
The Blackburn squad that visited India played a mini-tournament. Each team comprised of one Blackburn player and other young Indian footballers in a four city tournament held by Blackburn’s then owners, Venkateshwara Hatcheries. Post this tournament, Blackburn was scheduled to play I-League side Pune FC on 7th October 2011. Football fans all over the country were excited about the game.
The match that took place at Balewadi was interesting to watch. Pune FC had the first chance in the game but were unable to get past the Blackburn defense. Later in the first half, Steven Nzonzi passed the ball to the Jason Roberts who scored the first goal of the match. The Half Time score read 1 – 0.
In the Second half, Spanish international Ruben Rochina scored a brilliant goal. The former Valencia youth player and La Masia Product scored the goal from outside the box. In the dying minutes of the game England International Jason Roberts scored his second and Blackburn’s third when a defensive error allowed him to beat the keeper. The final score read 3 – 0 in favour of Blackburn Rovers.
After the game, then Pune FC Coach Derrick Pereira stated that he and the team learned a lot from the 1994-95 Premier League winners. Steve Kean praised Pune FC keeper Shahinlal Meloly, who made at least 10 saves against the Premier League side. The match drew plenty of interest from all over India and was well received.
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