Bengaluru FC Beat Chennaiyin FC 2-0 to Maintain Winning Start in ISL 2026-27

Bengaluru FC continued their impressive start to the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) season with a 2-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC at the Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday. 

Ryan Williams opened the scoring in the first half before Mihalio Perovic doubled the hosts’ advantage shortly after the restart, helping Bengaluru secure three more points on a rain-soaked evening. The result extended Bengaluru’s winning start to the campaign, while Chennaiyin were unable to build on their opening 1-1 draw against FC Goa. Despite the challenging conditions, both teams showed attacking intent, but Bengaluru proved more clinical in the decisive moments and defended resolutely to preserve their clean sheet.

The hosts created the first clear opportunity in the 11th minute. Williams delivered a curling ball into the penalty area, where Perovic connected with a close-range header. Chennaiyin goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz reacted sharply to keep the attempt out and prevent Bengaluru from taking an early lead.

The opening exchanges featured an intense midfield battle, with neither side willing to concede space easily. Bengaluru continued to look for openings through their forward movement, while Chennaiyin attempted to exploit opportunities in the final third.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 24th minute. Soham Varshney played a line-breaking pass to Borja Martinez, who advanced before testing Nawaz with a right-footed effort. The goalkeeper managed to parry the shot, but Williams reacted quickest to the rebound and converted from close range.

The goal rewarded Bengaluru’s attacking pressure and gave the hosts an advantage they would carry into the interval.

Chennaiyin responded positively and came close to finding an equaliser in the 33rd minute. Mohammed Saheef delivered a cross that picked out Ramon Tanque, whose header forced Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu into action. Gurpreet made the save, ensuring the hosts maintained their lead.

Chennaiyin continued to search for openings, but Bengaluru’s defensive organisation held firm through the remainder of the first half.

Perovic doubles Bengaluru’s advantage

Bengaluru carried their momentum into the second half and extended their lead just seven minutes after the restart. Williams made way for Ashique Kuruniyan at half-time, and the substitute immediately influenced the contest. In the 52nd minute, Ashique threaded a through ball into the attacking area for Martinez, who delivered a floated cross into the penalty box.

Perovic timed his movement well and finished calmly to make it 2-0. The striker capitalised on Nawaz’s decision to come off his line, giving Bengaluru a valuable cushion and leaving Chennaiyin with a more difficult task.

The second goal also underlined Bengaluru’s ability to turn promising attacking situations into clear scoring opportunities. Martinez played a key role in both goals, first forcing the save that allowed Williams to score and then providing the cross for Perovic’s finish.

Chennaiyin attempted to respond almost immediately. In the 55th minute, Prakadeswaran drove into the penalty area and unleashed a right-footed effort, but Gurpreet dealt with the attempt comfortably. The Bengaluru goalkeeper remained a reliable presence as the visitors tried to find a route back into the match.

Both managers turned to their benches as the second half progressed. Bengaluru introduced Naorem Roshan Singh and Nikhil Poojary in the 63rd minute, while Chennaiyin brought on Bryce Miranda and Ladrinpuia four minutes later in an effort to change the course of the contest.

Bengaluru subsequently introduced captain Sunil Chhetri in the 70th minute, replacing Varshney. Chhetri nearly added a third goal in the 87th minute when he struck a left-footed effort from distance, but Nawaz tipped the ball over the crossbar.

The save prevented Bengaluru from extending their advantage, although the hosts remained in control of the scoreline.

Chennaiyin continued to push during stoppage time, with Brison Fernandes testing Gurpreet from distance in the first minute of added time. The goalkeeper produced another save to deny the visitors and protect Bengaluru’s clean sheet.

Despite Chennaiyin’s late efforts, the hosts remained defensively disciplined and saw out the remaining minutes without conceding.

The 2-0 victory gave Bengaluru FC another positive result as they continued their campaign in the ISL 2026-27 season. Williams’ first-half goal provided the foundation, while Perovic’s finish early in the second half ensured the hosts had sufficient breathing room to manage the contest.

Martinez’s involvement in both goals and Gurpreet’s important saves were also significant contributions to the result. Bengaluru combined attacking efficiency with defensive resilience, particularly when Chennaiyin attempted to reduce the deficit.

For Chennaiyin, the defeat followed their opening draw against FC Goa and highlighted the need to convert promising opportunities into goals. Tanque’s first-half header and the visitors’ late attempts showed their willingness to attack, but they could not find a breakthrough against Gurpreet.

Bengaluru ultimately secured all three points through a composed performance in difficult conditions, maintaining their winning start and giving themselves an encouraging platform for the fixtures ahead.