ISL 2017/18, Match 65: Chennaiyin FC vs Bengaluru FC - Player Ratings
This week's Hero Indian Super League action kicked off with a Southern Derby as Chennaiyin FC hosted league leaders Bengaluru FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, India.
The match saw the clash of the top two teams in the ISL as Bengaluru FC began in the top spot with 27 points from their 13 matches. The hosts Chennaiyin FC were in the second position with 23 points from 12 games and could go within one point with a win at home.
Bengaluru FC pulled off another away win as they won 3-1 at the Marina Arena and maintained their spot in the Hero ISL standings. Sunil Chhetri created two and scored one goal as Bengaluru won comfortably in the end. Jeje Lalpkhlua missed a great chance to put the sides level and Sereno's sending off further shifted the advantage towards the Blues.
Chennaiyin FC
Karanjit Singh (5/10) - The Chennai keeper's game began on a sour note as he was beaten early with a strike by Boithang Haokip in the third minute. He conceded a soft goal after the hour mark when he fumbled a shot from Chhetri which was put into the goal by Miku. His misery was further increased as Sunil Chhetri scored in the final minutes of added time.
Inigo Calderon (5.5/10) - The right-back was his usual best on the flank as he played up and down with great conviction. He was assertive in defence whenever Bengaluru attacked but made up great ground to attack with crosses from the flank.
Mailson Alves (5.5/10) - The Brazilian defender was the no-nonsense man in the Chennaiyin defence as he was strong in his tackles and clearances. He was a target man from the Chennaiyin setpieces as well.
Henrique Sereno (4.5/10) - The Portuguese centre-back was a strong presence in the Chennaiyin FC defence but was cautioned early on and played a careful game henceforth.He made some critical challenges inside the box. Unfortunately for Chennaiyin FC, Sereno was sent off for his second bookable offence in the 71st minute of the match.
Jerry Lalrinzuala (6/10) - The young left-back for the home side was the provider for the first goal when his cross was headed in by Francisco Fernandes past Gurpreet Sandhu to level it up in the first half. His miscalculated back-pass led to the final goal for Bengaluru FC.
Dhanpal Ganesh (6.5/10) - The defensive midfielder for Chennaiyin FC played the pivot role between the defence and the midfielders. He broke up a lot of plays and was a tough tackler in the centre of the pitch. Ganesh earned a penalty for the home side
Anirudh Thapa (5.5/10) - The youngster played centrally in the midfield and was involved in a lot of attacking moves for the Chennaiyin side. He was the setpiece taker for the team and even had a couple of long-range efforts on the Bengaluru goal.
Francisco Fernandes (6/10) - The winger who played on the right flank was the goalscorer for the home side when he rose high and headed past Sandhu to make it all square on the night.
Raphael Augusto (6/10) - The Brazilian played the role of playmaker for the home side and controlled the tempo in the midfield. He kept looking for the runs from attackers ahead of him and had some efforts on the goal.
Gregory Nelson (6.5/10) - The left winger for the Chennaiyin side was highly active on his flank and kept the Bengaluru defence busy with his incisive runs as he drew a lot of fouls from them.
Jeje Lalpekhlua (5.5/10) - The Mizo Sniper was the sole target man in attack for the Chennai side. He was a constant threat for the Bengaluru defenders with his runs. Jeje missed a chance to put the scores level when his weak penalty kick was saved by Gurpreet Sandhu easily.
Substitutes:
Jaime Gavilan (4.5/10) - The creative midfielder came off the bench in place of Raphael Augusto as Chennaiyin pushed on for the equalizer.
Jude Nworuh (4/10) - The winger was put in by John Gregory on the wings as Chennaiyin tried to get back into the match.
Germanpreet Singh (4/10) - The former Minerva FC player came on in place of Anirudh Thapa as cover after Sereno was sent off in the second half.