Erik Paartalu suffered heartbreak in the AFC Cup overnight as Bengaluru were knocked out of the semi-finals of the competition in controversial circumstances.
Needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg against Istiqlol from Tajikistan, Bengaluru conceded in just the fourth minute after their goalkeeper gave away a penalty.
Rahul Beke equalised in the 24th minute to ensure the Indian Super League outfit had some hope of making it to the final, but it didn't last long.
Defender Harmanjot Khabra was sent off on the stroke of half time after he received a second yellow card, much to the distain of the Bengaluru fans.
Another goal for Istiqlol made it 3-1 on aggregate, and with 10 men things were looking bleak for the home side.
A penalty to Bengaluru saw them level it up on the night at 2-2, but they squandered several late chances as they searched for two crucial goals.
Paartalu, along with former Western Sydney Wanderer Dimas, played 180 minutes across the two legs but were unable to help the side advance, eventually losing 3-2 on aggregate.
Istiqlol will now face Iraqi side Al Quwa Al Jawiya in the AFC Cup Final.
Gutted is an understatement right now. I won't talk about other factors in the match but I am extremely proud of the team and the effort!
— ErikPaartalu (@ErikPaartalu) October 18, 2017
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