ISL 2017-18 final: John Gregory's Chennaiyin stun Bengaluru to win second title

Bengaluru: Chennaiyin FC are champions of the fourth edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) after handsomely beating Bengaluru FC by 2-3 in the finals. This is all we expected from the Indian Super League (ISL) final. A thrilling contest witnessing five goals.

The Marina Machans now draw level along with ATK, who also have two titles. Bengaluru FC started in fine fashion after Sunil Chhetri put them ahead in the eighth minute with the fastest goal in an ISL final. However, John Gregory’s men proved their mettle as Mailson Alves scored a double before the half-time break.

Both teams had equal opportunities in the second-half, but Raphael Augusto’s strike later on added more salt to Bengaluru’s wounds. Miku pulled one back for the Blues in injury time, but Jeje Lalpekhlua and co already had the upper hand by then.

Full-time:

90' Substitution! Thoi Singh replaces Francisco Fernandes.

90+1' STILL ALIVE? Miku scores the second goal for the Blues. Udanta Singh crosses from the right and the Venezulean striker heads it with power, leaving no chance for Karanjit.

88' Subsititution! Raphael Augusto is replaced by Jaima Gavilan. Gregory wants to save the two goal lead.

85' YELLOW CARD! Sunil Chhetri now goes into the referee's book.

82' CHANCE! Miku drills a low cross into a crowded box of Chennaiyin FC and it falls into the path of Chhetri. The number 10 has a chance to make it 2-3 but parries hit shot over the cross bar after being fully open.

78' YELLOW CARD! Lenny Rodrigues is the second name to receive a warning.

74' Fine save by Karanjit! Victor Perez finds himself free on the right and feeds a delicious cross to Chhetri in the box. The former Mumbai City striker rises high and heads it towards goal only to be denied by the keeper.

67' GOOOOOOOOALLLLLLLL! Samba magic works the trick and the Marina Machans have a two goal lead now. Gregory Nelson rushes on the left flank before passing to Jeje who takes a touch and gives the ball to the Brazilian who is free outside the box. Augusto takes his time and lashes onto a powerful drive, presenting no chance for Gurpreet!

61' Substitution for Bengaluru! Daniel Segovic replaces Erik Paartalu while Nishu Kumar replaces Boithang Hoakip. The visitors also make a change as Anirudh Thapa comes in for Bikramjit Singh.

Half-time:

What an entertaining half of football it has been so far. Bengaluru went into an all-attack mode in the start and picking an early lead through talisman Sunil Chhetri. However, Chennaiyin FC did not keep quiet and pushed the hosts on the back foot. Mailson Alves struck two goals for the Marina Machans to put them on top before the half-time break. Both the coaches well know what their teams need to do as another interesting half approaches.

45' GOOOOOOOALLLLLLLLLL! And it's that man ahead. Bengaluru once again concede from a set-piece as Alves rises high and heads it towards the far post with fierce power. Pressure back on the hosts.

45' Victor Perez comes in for the injured Dimas Delgado.

31' Vital block from Inigo Calderon! Bheke crosses from the right and the opposition defense clear the cross but somehow it falls into the path of Dimas Delgado inside the box. The Spaniard smashes it hard only for Calderon to step back and head it away.

22' YELLOW CARD! Nelson, who provided the early assist is the first one to go into the referee's book. Brings down Udanta on the right channel after the winger once again wreaks havoc.

17' 1-1 and GAME ON! Gregory Nelson curls the ball in a crowded box and Malison Alves rises leaps to draw Chennaiyin FC level. The ball hits the underside of the woodwork and heads in. No chance for Gurpreet Sandhu!

9' GOOOOOOOALLLLL. Chhetri, you beauty! The home side break on the counter as Udanta Singh sends a delicious cross from the right side of the box. The delivery is met by Chhetri who heads it with a Van Persie-esque finish. 1-0 to Bengaluru!

5' Bengaluru have taken the game to the opposition. Raiding the opposition defence and trying to stretch the backline, but are lacking in the finish.

2' The Blues have already made their intentions clear. Sunil Chhetri and co they need a goal early on.

The Blues will rely on their attack to take the advantage early on while John Gregory's men will look to be organised and thwart any danger. Who will walk away with the trophy?

Preview:

Bengaluru FC will be raring to write their name into the history books by winning the prestigious Indian Super League (ISL) title on Saturday as they lock horns with Chennaiyin FC in the finals at the Sree Kantiveera Stadium.

In what has been another remarkable season for the Blues, they will look forward to capping off the season with another trophy in their cabinet, this time, in front of their home fans.

Albert Roca’s men have been the team to beat this season, winning 13 of their 18 fixtures and qualifying for the playoffs with four games to spare.

Miku and Sunil Chhetri have been banging the goals upfront together with 24 goals strikes while a rock-solid pair of Juanan and John Johnson at the back has seen the team concede the lowest goals so far.

But the favourites will have their task cut out against Chennaiyin FC, who have made the summit due to their hard work and perseverance. John Gregory’s men are coming off after beating Sergio Lobera’s FC Goa 4-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals.

Jeje Lalpekhlua has hit top form at the right time, while Brazilian Raphael Augusto will once again prove a nightmare for the opposition defenders.

The Marina Machans will once again bank on custodian Karanjit Singh between the sticks while a midfield comprising of Indian players such as Bikramjit Singh, Dhanpal Ganesh, Anirudh Thapa and Germanpreet will also take their chances.

Teams:

Here's how both the teams line-up.

Live telecast and timings:

The live telecast of the ISL 2017-18 final can be watched on Star Sports 2 and Star Sports 2 HD from 8 PM (IST) onwards.

Live streaming:

The live streaming of the much-awaited ISL 2017-18 final will be available on Hotstar.

Squads:

Chennaiyin FC

Goalkeepers: Karanjit Singh, Pawan Kumar, Shahin Lal Meloli

Defenders: Dhanachandra Singh, Fulganco Cardozo, Henrique Sereno Fonseca, Inigo Calderon Zapateria, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Keenan Almeida, Mailson Alves, Sanjay Balmuchu

Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Bikramjit Singh, Dhanpal Ganesh, Francisco Fernandes, Germanpreet Singh, Gregory Nelson, Jaime Gavilan Martinez, Raphael Augusto, Rene Mihelic, Thoi Singh Khangembam

Forwards: Baoringdao Bodo, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Jude Ikechukwu Nworuh, Mohammed Rafi

Head Coach: John Gregory

Bengaluru FC

Goalkeepers: Abhra Mondal, Calvin Abhishek, Lalthuammawia Ralte

Defenders: Boithang Haokip, Collin Abranches, Harmanjot Singh Khabra, John James Johnson, Joyner Monte Lourenco, Juan Antonio Gonzalez Fernandez, Nishu Kumar, Rahul Shankar, Bheke Subhasish Bose

Midfielders: Alwyn George, Antonio Dovale Rodriguez, Dimas Delgado Morgado, Eduardo Garcia Martin, Erik Endel Paartalu, Lenny Rodrigues, Malsawmzuala, Zohmingliana Ralte

Forwards: Braulio Nobrega Rodriguez, Nicolas Ladislao Fedor Flores, Sunil Chhetri, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Udanta Singh Kumam

Head Coach: Albert Roca