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Preview: Having dominated the competition in their debut season in the Indian Super League (ISL), Bengaluru FC face one last hurdle in Chennaiyin FC in the final in Bengaluru on Saturday. Bengaluru were by far the strongest team during the league phase, winning 13 of their 18 matches to lead the table with 40 points, eight more than second placed Chennaiyin. [caption id=“attachment_4394569” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]
Bengaluru FC’s Sunil Chhetri (L) and Chennaiyin FC’s Jeje Lalpehlua (R) pose ahead of the 2017-18 ISL final. Image Courtesy: ISL[/caption] They produced ample evidence of their form during the semi-finals, riding a hat-trick by skipper Sunil Chetri to thrash FC Pune City 3-1 in the second leg. While Bengaluru dominated their opponents, Chhetri proved once again that he is one of the most consistent performers in Indian football. Bengaluru fans will expect more of the same from their captain on Saturday. In their short history of four years, Bengaluru have enjoyed unprecedented success. They have won either the I-League or Federation Cup in every season and are overwhelming favourites to win the ISL title on debut. “We started (our preparations) earlier than other teams because of the AFC Cup. We have tried to succeed. There is one more step to do right now but until now I am happy for everyone. The fans have always been behind us,” Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca said on Friday. “Tomorrow is a big game against a very difficult team. Chennaiyin have shown a lot of quality. I am not expecting an easy game. It will be the most difficult game of the season,” he added. Significantly, Bengaluru FC are unbeaten in their last 10 matches, winning eight of them. However, Bengaluru face formidable foes in Chennaiyin FC. Chennaiyin FC will also fancy their chances, having defeated Bengaluru FC 2-1 at their own den during the league stage, thanks to a last-minute goal from Dhanpal Ganesh. Against FC Goa in the semi-finals, Chennaiyin FC negated the threat of Goa’s dangerous strike pair of Ferran Corominas and Manuel Lanzarote and will hope to do the same against Sunil Chhetri and Miku, who have combined to score 27 of Bengaluru’s 38 goals. “We are going into this game with a lot of confidence. We know that we have won there before, and we are not the only team (to defeat Bengaluru FC at home). We have utmost respect for everything they have achieved. We are Chennaiyin. We are not afraid of anyone,” Chennaiyin coach John Gregory said during the pre-match media interaction. With inputs from IANS
Highlights, ISL 2018 final, Bengaluru FC vs Chennaiyin: Chennaiyin win second title after 3-2 win over Bengaluru FC
Catch Live score and updates of 2017-18 ISL final between Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC from the Sree Kanteerava stadium
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Chennaiyin lift the trophy!
The moment has arrived for Chennaiyin who lift the title for the second time Excellent scenes at the Kanteerava
Nice gesture from the Chennaiyin players to form a guard of honour for their beaten rivals.
Marcelinho is always on target!
FC Pune City congratulate the champions
More reactions
Captain Sereno reacts after the win
Jerry on his second ISL winners’ medal
Reactions pouring in on Twitter. Iain Hume among the first to wish Chennaiyin on their win
Champions again!
CHENNAIYIN ARE CHAMPIONS!
FT: Bengaluru FC 1-3 Chennaiyin FC
The referee blows the full time whistle and John Gregory’s men have done a job on Bengaluru in their own backyard. A ruthlessly clinical performance from the visitors hands them their second title in 4 years. Chennaiyin players are ecstatic, Bengaluru are crestfallen. Great scenes at the Kanteerava.
90+2’ Bengaluru FC 2-3 Chennaiyin
GOAL! Miku heads home from Udanta’s cross and there is hope for the home side.
Kanteerava emptying fast!
The Bengaluru fans have started streaming out of the stadium and the stadium has largely gone silent. The only noise coming in from the tiny pocket of Chennai fans in the corner.
90’ Bengaluru FC 1-3 Chennaiyin
Four minutes added on at the Kanteerava. Bengaluru FC now need something miraculous to save this
85’ Bengaluru FC 1-3 Chennaiyin
80’ Bengaluru FC 1-3 Chennaiyin
The crowd has turned against the referee after a couple of decisions go against Bengaluru. The fact that teh Chennaiyin players are taking too long to “recover” from the tackles has only further incensed the crowd who turn to chanting downright misogynistic chants towards the poor ref.
Chennaiyin FC fans have their moments!
Bengaluru are now throwing the kitchen sink at Chennaiyin
70’ Bengaluru FC 1-3 Chennaiyin
The hosts are in trouble now. They need 2 goals in 20 minutes against one of the most meanest defences in ISL history. Can the home side show some character and come from behind to force extra time? Let’s wait and watch
Kanteerava silenced!
67’ Bengaluru FC 1-3 Chennaiyin
GOAL! Raphael Augusto with fine finish. Jeje does well to hold the ball after failing to go behind the the defence, and lays it off for Augusto who curls it into the far post. Chennaiyin have been ruthlessly efficient and have one hand on the trophy
Interesting changes!
Interesting to see Roca taking off Paartalu. The Aussie has been good in his makeshift position at centre back. The double change sees Juanan moving in to replace Paartalu with Nishu Kumar slotting in at left back, Daniel Segovia will pair-up Miku up top.
60’ Bengaluru FC 1-2 Chennaiyin
A series of changes. Segovia and Nishu on for Boithang and Paaratalu for Bengaluru who use up their quota. Chennaiyin make their standard change as Anirudh Thapa comes ON for Bikramjit Singh
55’ Bengaluru FC 1-2 Chennaiyin
Chennaiyin looking dangerous on the break. Bengaluru lacking the cutting edge to break down the Chennaiyin defence that is on their game. They need to keep patience though as there is plenty of time left in this match