ISL: Sunil Chhetri strikes as Bengaluru pip FC Goa 2-1 in riveting contest
Football | March 21, 2020 15:55 ISTThe result sees Bengaluru rise to the second spot with 19 points from 11 games, just two shy of FC Goa who continue to top the table.
The result sees Bengaluru rise to the second spot with 19 points from 11 games, just two shy of FC Goa who continue to top the table.
The match played in front of a Fatorda Stadium that was closed to spectators due to the spread of coronavirus around the country
ATK rode Spanish midfielder Javi Hernandez's brace to defeat Chennaiyin FC 3-1 and grab their third title in a riveting closed-door final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Javier Hernandez (10th) and Edu Garcia (48th) put ATK in the driving seat but Nerijus Valskis (69th) reduced their advantage to set up a tense end to the contest.
Owing to the current preventive measures advised by the Sports Ministry, league organisers Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) has decided to hold the season's final behind closed doors.
ATK will play Chennaiyin FC on Saturday in the final of ISL while the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal at the Salt Lake Stadium could also be played without fans.
In the driver's seat after winning the first leg 1-0, Bengaluru FC struck in the fifth minute for a vital away goal advantage through Ashique Kuruniyan, his first of the season, from a counter attack.
FC Goa will be boosted by the return of Edu Bedia who missed the first leg game in Chennai -- which they lost 1-4 -- due to personal reasons.
Deshorn Brown's opportunistic strike (31') proved to be the difference in what was a closely-fought first leg battle.
The Blues entered the 2019-20 season after a nightmarish performance in the previous one, having finished with the wooden spoon and fewest points (nine).
Masih Saighani fired Chennaiyin into the lead (17th minute) before two goals in either half by Martin Chaves (43rd, 71st) seemed to have handed all three points for NorthEast United. But a late equaliser from Lallianzuala Chhangte (90+3rd) ensured the away side took a point.
Chennaiyin are currently fourth on the table with 28 points, two shy of third-placed Bengaluru FC. A draw or a defeat for Chennaiyin in the final game of the league phase of this ISL would mean that they would face toppers FC Goa in the play-offs.
Manuel Onwu scored a hat-trick for the hosts while Bartholomew Ogbeche netted twice to lead the Golden Boot standings with 15 to his name.
Bengaluru FC ended their league stage campaign with 30 points and could possibly finish fourth, should Chenniayin FC win their final league game against NorthEast United.
Having already qualified, ATK have their eyes on the AFC Champions League spot while Chennaiyin's eyes will be trained on a berth in the play-offs.
A recent change in coaching staff, with Clifford Miranda taking over as interim coach from Sergio Lobera, has made a positive impact on their on-field performance. FC Goa scored a convincing 4-1 win over Hyderabad FC in their last game.
Although both teams are out of the play-off race, there was plenty of goalmouth action on show and in the end it was difficult to separate the sides.
After a goal-less first-half, the star Fijian recruit virtually killed the contest in the space of 15 minutes as he struck in the 49th, 60th and 63rd minutes to take ATK past FC Goa at the top of the table on goal difference.
After a cagey first half, both sides had chances to clinch the game in the second half. However, profligate finishing meant the game finished goalless.
While the four teams for the ISL playoffs are almost certain, the battle has intensified for the race to clinch the AFC Champions League berth which will go to the table-toppers.
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