ISL Day 20 Review: Bengaluru outclass Chennai to post their first win of the season

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Image Courtesy: Goal

Day 20 of the ISL saw the defending champions Bengaluru FC beat Chennaiyin FC 3-0 in the south Indian derby at the Kanteerava Stadium. 

Image Courtesy: Goal

The game started with the hosts taking the driver’s seat from the very first minute. Paartalu came close to opening the scoring in the 4th minute after Rahul Bheke’s throw was met by his header. 

However in the 14th minute, Paartalu eventually opened the scoring after heading in Dimas’ corner. BFC were always the favorites to take the lead after Chhetri came close just minutes prior to the opening goal.

After there were doubts surrounding Chhetri’s recent dip in form, he put everything to bed in the 25th minute, scoring a screamer. Augusto’s delightful long ball found the path of Chhetri, who in turn smashed a superb volley to put his side 2 up on the night.

Chennaiyin FC, who were still searching for their first goal since February tried to claw their way back into the tie. However, they could not create any clear openings and went into the break two goals down.

Coming back from the break, Chennai showed some improvements in their game and began to get closer to the elusive goal. Edwin and Ganesh came close to finding the goal as the visitors began to stitch a string of passes together and look threatening.

But as the second half progressed, BFC once again took control and began to dominate the proceedings. Another clear chance was created by the hosts when Dimas played the ball to Udanta down the centre. But the cheeky attempt of trying a backheel and finding Chhetri fell short.

As the game progressed towards a first win of the season for the defending champions, Semboi Haokip delivered the icing on the cake. The substitute outmuscled Eli Sabia and sent the ball between goalkeeper Vishal’s legs to make it 3-0.

Thus BFC wrapped up the game in a comprehensive manner and moved to 5th in the table. Chennai’s torrid run continued as they still search for their first goal of the season.