(Bengaluru): Ex Aston Villa coach John Gregory did wonders for Chennaiyin FC as they won their second Indian Super League trophy on Saturday. Table-toppers Bengaluru FC faltered in the final as tactically-superior Chennaiyin won 3-2 to reclaim ISL title. The Brazilian factor again proved vital for the champion side yet again.
Bengaluru FC entered the final after an unbeaten run of 10 games, and were the favorites to lift their maiden trophy in their maiden ISL season. The Sunil Chhetri side was also the table toppers in group stage and following them were Chennaiyin FC.
Sunil Chhetri gave Bengaluru the lead in the 9th minute in front of a crowd of 25,753 at Sree Kanteerva Stadium but Chennaiyin made their way back into the match through a 17th minute goal by Mailson Alves. He then propelled his side to a remarkable lead with another leaping header in the 45th minute, as Chennaiyin went into the half time leading 2-1.
Another Brazilian, Raphael Augusto, added to the home team’s agony with his 67th minute strike, leaving the cheering home fans stunned at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Bengaluru tried their best to make their way back, there was eventually some miss chances by Indian and Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri. However, their Venezuelan star Miku got one back in the injury time to get the home fans buzzing with joy, that proved to be too little, too late.
Chennaiyin FC also become the first ISL team to book a place in next season’s AFC Cup play-off after the Asian Football Confederation allotted one of India’s continental spots to the ISL winner.
- Subrata Paul of Jamshedpur FC won the Golden Glove award.
- Ferran Crominas of FC Goa won golden boot award with 18 goals.
- Udanta Singh of Bengaluru FC won winning pass of the league award with 7 assists.
- Inigo Calderon of Chennaiyin FC won fittest player of the league award.
- Lalruatthara of Kerala Blasters won ISL emerging player of the league.
- Sunil Chhetri of Bengaluru FC won Hero of the league award.
Result: Bengaluru FC 2 (Sunil Chhetri 9, Miku 90) lost to Chennaiyin FC 3 (Mailson Alves 17, 45, Raphael Augusto 67).
