Venezuelan international Miku scored the lone goal as Bengaluru got off to a perfect start after defeating defending champions Chennaiyin FC 1-0 in their Indian Super League season 5 opener at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Sunday.
Following a frustrating 40 minutes in which both sides had chances to take the lead but did little to risk their defensive duties for a more attacking approach, Miku broke the deadlock. It was in the 41st minute and after debutant Xisco Hernandez found the forward behind Chennaiyin’s last defender and although he appeared to be marginally off-side, Miku blasted the net to put Bengaluru ahead.
The hosts could have scored earlier in the third minute when Rahul Bheke’s long throw made its way to Erik Paartalu but the Australian midfielder shot straight at Chennaiyin goalkeeper Karanjit Singh.
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It was as if the goal-scoring chance was a prelude for what was to come and it came just minutes later but this time to Chennaiyin, who just like their opponents squandered the open opportunity. Gregory Nelson had broken through left-back Bheke before finding striker Jeje Lalpekhlua with a delicate pass, which put the Mizo sniper clear on goal. But with only the goalkeeper to beat, Jeje overfed his pass to Germanpreet Singh, who managed a touch on the ball only after it had gone out of play.
Chennaiyin looked to make most of Bengaluru’s advancing full-backs but were let down by forward Jeje, who misplaced most balls, while shooting others out of play. Germanpreet tried with a long ranger that stretched home goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh, who kept it out.
Bengaluru meanwhile were seeing more of the ball but were let down by their final pass in the attacking third before Miku scored the goal that carried them to a victory in the end.
Chennaiyin though came roaring in the second half and should have levelled in the opening minutes when the ball from a poor corner clearance fell to right-back Inigo Calderon. His shot was blocked but the ball landed in front of defender Eli Sabia. The Brazilian with his back to the goal backheeled straight to Gurpreet behind him.
The visitors continued with their attacks, but Bengaluru were equally dangerous on the counter and it from one such counter in the 57th minute that Jerry Lalzrinzuala fouled a dashing Udanta Singh and should have been sent off. He survived with a yellow and later was present to stop another such swift counter.
Skipper Chhetri then had a shot blocked in the 72nd minute after some slick string of passes between the forward four of Xisco, Udanta, Miku and the Indian captain himself.
Chennaiyin coach John Gregory threw the kitchen sink in the last few minutes bringing on a second striker Carlos Salom for defender Mailson Alves, but it did little help as the last season’s runner-up held on to oversee their first win this season.
Image Source: ISL