ISL 2026-27: Bengaluru FC beats Chennaiyin FC 2-0 to claim southern derby bragging rights

File Image: Ryan Williams opened the scoring in Bengaluru’s 2-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Bengaluru FC/X

Ryan Williams and Mihailo Perovic netted either side of halftime as Bengaluru FC earned the bragging rights with a 2-0 triumph over southern rival Chennaiyin FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.

It was BFC’s (six points from two matches) second successive victory in the Indian Super League while CFC (one point from two games) awaits its maiden win of the season.

The fluid Bengaluru frontline proved too hot to handle for the Chennaiyin defence. The host could have opened the scoring around the 10-minute mark, but Perovic headed straight at goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz after being picked out by Williams.

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But Pep Munoz’s side managed to open its account in the 24th minute. Perovic, stationed on the right wing, sent a teasing delivery towards the left, from where Borja Martinez produced a shot at goal. While Nawaz saved the initial attempt, an alert Williams was in the right position at the right time to pounce on the rebound.

BFC doubled the lead in the early stages of the second period. Nawaz and the rest of the CFC defensive unit failed to deal with a Borja cross from the left and were duly punished by Perovic, who had an empty net to ripple. Substitute Sunil Chhetri could have put the icing on the cake with a late goal, but Nawaz delivered a sharp save to deny the talismanic forward.

As for CFC, it struggled to dominate and asked plenty from its striker Ramon Tanque, the Brazilian often having to drop deep to initiate attacks.

The result: Bengaluru FC 2 (Ryan Williams 24, Mihailo Perovic 52) bt Chennaiyin FC 0.