Bengaluru FC vs Chennaiyin FC, ISL 2018/19, Highlights: As It Happened

The final whistle rings out and @bengalurufc have scripted their first win at home over @ChennaiyinFC to start their #HeroISL season with three points!#HeroISL #LetsFootball #BENCHE pic.twitter.com/uh5JXkc7z9

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) September 30, 2018

If Chennaiyin were the better team in the first half, Bengaluru were better in the second as they were resolute at the back, but dictated terms with their quick transitions in midfield in the second half. 

That's it! The referee blows his whistle, and Bengaluru FC win their opener 1-0, earning three points. They also get one over the team which defeated them in the final last year, so that's an added sweetener! 

Chance! With just four minutes remaining, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu beats away a powerful shot from Gregory Nelson. He should have been firmer at blocking that shot, as the ball goes out for a corner. The corner, however is beaten away and Bengaluru earn a corner of their own on the break. Miku is now coming off for Thongkosiem Haokip.  

The perfectly timed tackle by Calderon to block Chhetri's chance at goal! 💪#PoduMachiGoalu #LetsFootball #BENCHE pic.twitter.com/fpHu4XKdE3

— Chennaiyin F.C. 🏆🏆 (@ChennaiyinFC) September 30, 2018

Substitution: Udanta Singh is out after putting in a hard shift for almost 90 minutes, and is replaced by Boithang Haokip.

Just three minutes plus extra time remaining in the game. Bengaluru are playing on the break and inviting the Chennaiyin attackers at them time and time again.

Chennaiyin had a good chance to break from Bengaluru's corner, but Jeje's attempted pass to runners either side of him is blocked well.

Miku backs in, holds the ball up and waits for the contact to earn a free-kick at the centre circle - exactly what Bengaluru FC want at this stage of the game, as they look to slow things down.

Calderon tries to whip it into the top right-hand corner of the goal with pace, but his effort flies over the goalpost instead. Ten minutes to go here, as Bengaluru FC still lead Chennaiyin FC by 1-0.

Chennaiyin have a set-piece in a dangerous position, and Inigo Calderon is stepping up to take it.

Bengaluru FC scored 13 times from set-pieces last season, but have not really threatened from them in the game so far. Another corner is wasted, the delivery of the ball not finding the danger area in the box.

Jerry's free-kick nearly floats in, and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is adamant that he was fouled in the box, preventing him from punching the ball away. Close shave for Bengaluru FC, as the ball goes inches past the goal.

Substitution: Xisco is out for Chencho Gyeltshen, making his ISL debut here in front of the home crowd.

Chance! Sunil Chhetri finds himself  one on one with Karanjit, and tries to beat the on-rushing Inigo Calderon to find space and shoot. The 36-year-old does well to clear the ball away and deny Chhetri the chance to score.

Bengaluru are attacking in numbers here, catching Chennaiyin sleeping with the high line they are playing. Chhetri and Miku combine again to earn a corner. Albert almost puts the ball in the back of the net with his header to score what would have been his first goal for the club.

A good move by Bengaluru once again, as Chhetri feeds the ball across the box from the left flank. Miku steps over it and leaves it for the on-rushing Xisco, who's shot cannons off Inigo Calderon.

Free kick for Bengaluru FC on the right side of the box. There are bodies in the box but Xisco chooses to go straight for the goal instead. A good shot, but the ball is punched away comfortably by Karanjit Singh.

Substitution: Anirudh Thapa replaces Isaac in midfield. He was impressive for Chennaiyin last season, and will provide much needed legs and dynamism at the stage the match is currently at. 

Some good play outside the Chennaiyin penalty box between Chhetri and Miku, but the ball is hacked clear.

Udanta Singh was on the break with Sunil Chhetri to his right, and Jerry Lalrinzuala takes the yellow card for bringing him down. The defender was beaten here, with Udanta straight through on goal!

There will be more chances for Chennaiyin FC in this match, and Jeje will want to make amends for his misses earlier. He is constantly falling back into the Chennaiyin midfield and demanding that the ball be played to his feet.

It's clear how much respect Chennaiyin are giving to Sunil Chhetri. He is hounded by defenders each time he has the ball, and this time he almost wriggles into the goalkeeper's box despite the numbers around him. He certainly look sharp today.

Australian Erik Paartalu drives with the ball in midfield from his own half, but his ball cannot find Sunil Chhetri who was playing on the shoulder of the last defender.

Chennaiyin have started the second half the same way they started the first. A free kick delivered by Gregory Nelson from the right-flank is punched away clear by Gurpreet.

The second half has kicked off. Can Bengaluru hold on to the lead, or will Chennaiyin step up to get back in the game?

Half-time at the Sree Kanteerava stadium, where @bengalurufc go in with their noses in front, courtesy of a sublime hit by Miku!#HeroISL #LetsFootball #BENCHE #FanBannaPadega pic.twitter.com/rT9OfZDOEM

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) September 30, 2018

Half-time: Bengaluru FC lead Chennaiyin FC 1-0 after Miku's goal. That was his 16th goal in the ISL. 

Chennai look to bring things back to even keel from a couple of balls in to the box where Gurpreet collects comfortably. The keeper hits it long to Sunil Chhetri but Karanjeet comes out and clears with his head. 

Chennaiyin have been dominating the proceedings and Miku has put BFC in front completely against the run of play. Right after that though he has been brought down by Eli Sabia.