Bengaluru FC clinched a spot in the Indian Super League play-offs with a 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC, effectively eliminating Chennaiyin from playoff contention. The win positioned Bengaluru FC third with 37 points. Despite 57.1% possession and several scoring opportunities, Chennaiyin was unable to find the net. The decisive goal was scored by Rahul Bheke, who capitalized on a well-executed set-piece in the first half. Chennaiyin’s attempts to equalize, including a late effort from Daniel Chima Chukwu, fell short, concluding their campaign with 24 points from 22 matches.
Bengaluru FC clinched their spot in the play-offs while extinguishing Chennaiyin FC’s hopes of a top-six finish with a 1-0 victory in their Indian Super League clash on Tuesday. Chennaiyin FC, now with 24 points from 22 matches, is out of the playoff race, while the Blues find themselves in third place with 37 points thanks to this win. The Gerard Zaragoza-coached squad controlled 57.1% of possession and was consistently on the offensive, with their only goal of the evening coming from Rahul Bheke’s powerful finish inside the box during the first half.
Earlier, Chennaiyin FC almost unlocked the Bengaluru FC defense in the ninth minute, as Jiteshwor Singh spearheaded a move through the center before distributing to the wings in search of openings within the home team’s defensive zone.
The Marina Machans effectively transitioned the ball up the right side before Connor Shields slid in and delivered a cross to Lalrinliana Hnamte.
Hnamte had plenty of time to settle the ball and place it into the net, but his attempt seemed hurried, missing just to the right of the post.
The Blues capitalized on a set-piece opportunity in the 37th minute, executing a flawless free-kick maneuver where Alberto Noguera stepped up to deliver a long-range set-piece from the right flank.
Noguera took a moment before delivering a perfectly timed cross that bypassed the entire Chennaiyin FC wall and found Bheke, who made a clever decoy run from the left to the six-yard area.
Bheke utilized his right foot to send the ball curling into the top right corner, breaking the deadlock amidst cheers from the fans.
Noguera continued to challenge the Chennaiyin FC defense with his set-piece skills, delivering another excellent effort from a corner kick in the 56th minute. Instead of a high cross, the Spaniard opted for a low ball directed at Chinglensana Singh, who was positioned in the heart of the 18-yard box.
Chinglensana quickly connected with his left foot, but his shot was thwarted by Mohammed Nawaz in goal.
Bengaluru FC was also dangerous during open play, as Ryan Williams initiated a quick run showcasing his footwork with a cross into the box from the right side in the 73rd minute.
The ball was hurriedly cleared, but Lalremtluanga Fanai seized the stranded ball outside the box, releasing a left-footed shot that narrowly missed the top left corner, resulting in a goal-kick for the opponents.
Chennaiyin FC seized a fleeting chance to equalize in the 83rd minute as they counter-attacked Bengaluru FC, culminating in Irfan Yadwad breaking through the Blues’ defense and delivering a powerful cross to Daniel Chima Chukwu, who was positioned very close to the goal.
Chukwu was unable to position himself well to convert the chance effectively, missing the target and marking the end of Chennaiyin FC’s playoff aspirations. PTI AH AH DDV
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