Dominant Bengaluru extend lead at top

Chennai: Bengaluru FC underlined their class, winning the ‘Southern Derby’ against Chennaiyin FC 3-1 in an Indian Super League (ISL) match here on Tuesday to open up a seven-point lead at the top of the table.

The talismanic Sunil Chhetri scored in the fourth minute of added time towards the end of the match, to take his tally to nine this season, as the visiting Bengaluru earned an important victory. It was sweet revenge for BFC having lost 1-2 at home to the former champions.

The win takes Bengaluru to 30 points from 14 games while Chennaiyin stay on 23 but have played one match less. Chennaiyin let slip a great opportunity to level at two-all in the 75th minute when Jeje Lalpekhlua muffed his penalty.

The sharp marksman’s weak shot was saved by Bengaluru goalie Gurpreet Singh. The penalty came about after Harmanjot Khabra fouled Dhanpal Ganesh inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot. In the 71st minute, Chennaiyin skipper Henrique Sereno was sent off, after what appeared to be an unnecessary challenge.

He had won an aerial challenge against Miku, but then pulled him down from behind for no reason. The visiting side went ahead in the 63rd minute when Miku slotted in from close range. The goal came against the run of play. It was BFC’s first real try on goal in the second half and it was a fruitful one.

Dimas Delgado chipped it in the box on the left side and Chhetri shot the volley first time with his left foot. Chennaiyin custodian Karanjit Singh saved, but couldn’t do so cleanly and allowed Miku to poke it across the line. The first half was a rather entertaining one with both sides going all out. Bengaluru’s early strike was cancelled out by the host team.

Boithang Haokip opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, which seemed to stun Chennaiyin FC. Harmanjot Khabra crossed from the right and found Sunil Chhetri at the far post. The Bengaluru skipper headed it down for Haokip, whose shot hit the ‘keeper and rolled away across the goal line, much to the horror of the CFC players and the fans.

The home side bounced back from the early setback and fought on an even footing, launching some fast-paced attacks. Eventually, the equaliser came in the 33rd minute through a superb Francisco Fernandes header. It was an action-filled first half with Chennaiyin having the better of the exchanges which didn’t show on the scoresheet.