ISL 2018-19: 3 reasons why Bengaluru FC beat Chennaiyin

The Indian Super League is well and truly back! After yesterday's mouth-watering encounter between ATK and Kerala Blasters, the focus was shifted towards Bengaluru as the Blues welcomed Chennaiyin FC.

The encounter between the two was surely the standout fixture when the ISL 2018-19 dates were revealed. Reason being, that the two teams were statistically two of the best teams in the league last year.

The last time the two met was in the final of the 2017-18 ISL Final, where Chennaiyin edged Bengaluru 3-2, to win their second title. The Blues, on the other hand, were surely left with a bad taste in their mouths, after coming so close to winning the title in their debut season.

Nevertheless, both teams had equipped themselves with some new weaponry over the course of the summer and were ready to go at it again albeit with different motives. While Chennaiyin was eager to start their title defence on a positive note, Bengaluru was out for Revenge.

The most notable change, since the last time these two teams met, was in Bengaluru's dugout. After parting ways with Albert Roca, Bengaluru turned towards his former assistant Carles Cuadrat to take the reigns. Needless to say, it was a special occasion for the Spaniard as well, who took charge as the manager for the first time in his career.

And what a start it was!

Thanks to the Venezuelan phenom Miku, manager Cuadrat had a day to remember. The forward popped up in the box in his usual fashion and then let out a thumping effort to leave Karanjit grasping for thin air.

There were to be no other goals in an otherwise entertaining match, as the two teams raced back-and-forth. However, chances fell to both ends but neither Jeje nor Chhetri could put their name on the scoresheet.

The Blues fans will sleep soundly tonight, having somewhat avenged their final defeat. Moreover, they will hope for similar performances in the future from their team as well, as they look to mount yet another title challenge.

Nevertheless, we turn our focus back on the events of the day in a bid to understand the possible reasons as to why Bengaluru came out on top in the clash of the Titans.

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#3 Saviour Sandhu

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu diving to make a save (Credit: ISL)

Bengaluru FC are one lucky team. They currently have under contract, two of the best Indian national team players- Chhetri and Sandhu. Both have proven to be influential time and again, and it was the latter who helped the Blues take all three points from their opening fixture.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was impressive in the goal once again, making saves left, right, and centre. Once again, the Indian National team shot-stopper halted several Chennaiyin attempts in the track. Moreover, Sandhu's positioning and distribution were once again top class. Also on display were his long kicks, which can prove to be a serious weapon in Bengaluru's arsenal.

However, there were moments of concern for Sandhu, as Jeje got the better of him twice. On both occasions, however, the Mizo Sniper fluffed his lines. Which brings us to our second reason...

#2 Complacent Chennaiyin

Chennaiyin coach John Gregory had a bad day at the office (Credit: ISL)

Chennaiyin FC are one of the best teams in the Indian Super League, there can be no doubt about it. However, it was 'one of those days' for the Marina Machans at the office today, as they went down fighting to Bengaluru.

Statistically, Chennaiyin were the better team throughout the game, enjoying 56% possession to Bengaluru's 44%. The Machans also had more shots on goal, 9 to Bengaluru's 6. However, when it comes down to it, last year's title winners weren't at their absolute best as they missed several chances to level the match, let alone win it.

A couple of said chances fell to the foot of Jeje Lalpekhlua, Cheanniyin's star forward. However, both the times the Indian international couldn't find the net, despite getting the better of Bengaluru's goalkeeper Sandhu.

Chennaiyin missed several other opportunities as well and were wasteful in possession. Their complacency today allowed one of ISL's star strikers to take advantage and make his chance count.

#1 Magical Miku

Miku celebrating after opening the scoring (Credit: ISL)

On paper, Bengaluru currently possesses one of the most fearsome strike-forces in the league. With Chhetri, Udanta, and Miku leading the line, and the likes of Chencho Gyeltshen waiting on the bench, the Blues are well-and-truly set for the season, attack wise.

And indeed, it was one of their attacking gems, who nabbed all three points on the opening day.

The Venezuelan Miku arrived last year with little reputation and a lot of talent. In just one year, however, the former Rayo Vallecano man proved why Bengaluru had secured his services. Miku scored 15 goals in the entirety of the season, as he helped Bengaluru reach the final.

Once again, it was the Venezuelan's magic, which helped Bengaluru start their season on the right note. It took just one chance for Miku to find the net, as he thumped home the winner after being played through by Xisco. The sting in the shot was too much for Chennaiyin's Karanjit, who was merely the spectator during the proceedings.

If the Venezuelan sustains this kind of form throughout the season, the other nine sides have a real problem at hand.