Bengaluru FC capped off the year with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on December 28, 2024, showcasing their offensive prowess and solidifying their position near the top of the Indian Super League (ISL) table.
The match began energetically, with both teams eager to establish dominance early on. Bengaluru, currently second on the ISL table, found the net first when Ryan Williams expertly volleyed home after just 16 minutes of play, stunning the home crowd. His goal was set up by Jorge Pereyra Dias, effectively silencing the exuberant Chennaiyin supporters.
Chennaiyin FC, under head coach Owen Coyle, rallied quickly, responding with intensity. Within minutes, Irfan Yadawad leveled the score at 1-1. He took advantage of high pressing initiated by Lukas Brambilla, securing his team’s first goal and adding to the thrilling start of the fixture.
The teams exchanged leads as Bengaluru regained their advantage shortly before halftime. Captain Sunil Chhetri rose to the occasion, scoring with a powerful header to make it 2-1. This goal, reminiscent of his prowess as one of India’s top strikers, came after brilliant build-up play and set the tone for the remainder of the match.
Just as it appeared Bengaluru might hold onto their lead comfortably, Chennaiyin surged back once more. Lalrinliana Hnamte scored with his first goal of the season, directing Bikash Yumnam’s long throw-in with precision just before the break. The first half ended with the score knotted at 2-2, reflecting the match's intense back-and-forth nature.
The second half commenced with both teams pressing for control. Chennaiyin’s goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz was called upon to make several key saves, keeping his side competitive. Yadawad remained a constant threat for Chennaiyin and almost found the net multiple times as the home team pushed forward to claim the lead.
Yet, it was Bengaluru who struck again, taking the lead once more at the 68-minute mark through Williams, who scored his second of the night. This time, it was Dias providing the assist again with another clinical pass, pushing the score to 3-2.
To add salt to the wounds for the Marina Machans, Chennaiyin FC's defense faltered when Laldinliana Renthlei inadvertently deflected the ball past his own goalkeeper, securing Bengaluru’s 4-2 win. The error capped off what had been a difficult evening for Chennaiyin’s defense, which had already been under severe pressure throughout the match.
Despite the defeat, Chennaiyin FC remained hopeful for the new year with their next match against Odisha FC set for January 9, 2025. They aim to shake off the disappointment from this match and return stronger. Coach Coyle expressed optimism about turning the team's fortunes around, confident his players would rally against their upcoming opponents.
Bengaluru FC, displaying outstanding teamwork and exceptional individual brilliance, will look to maintain their momentum as they push toward the playoffs this ISL season. With matches like this, they have shown both resilience and adaptability, important attributes as the competition intensifies.
