(Football news) Chennaiyin FC’s hopes to climb on top of the Indian Super League table were dealt a massive blow after the Marina Machans lost 3-0 to Bengaluru FC. The West Block Blues were missing their first choice goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu as Lara Sharma was brought in as a replacement. Iman Basafa opened the scoring from the spot in the 12th minute while Udanta made it 2-0 in the 42nd minute. The winger then scored his second goal in the 52nd minute, thereby ensuring his side went sixth in the ISL table with 17 points from 13 games. Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC remained fifth with 18 points from 13 matches with current leaders Hyderabad FC on 20 points from 12 outings.

The game began frantically at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim as both sides looked to hit the ground running right from kick off. Chennaiyin FC had a few good opportunities but failed to take advantage of them, the most notable one coming from Lukasz Gikiewicz as his shot ricocheted off the bar and went out. However, just two minutes later, Sunil Chhetri was brought down and Basafa managed to send the goalkeeper the wrong way as his shot went into the top left corner. Already a goal down, Chennaiyin FC fought hard for an equalizer with Germanpreet Singh and Vladimir Koman getting opportunities but shooting wide. 

Just before halftime, Bengaluru FC doubled their advantage when Sunil Chhetri showed both composure and unselfishness as he dummied his shot, cut into his left and passed the ball to Udanta who scored easily in the 42nd minute. The second half saw Bengaluru FC dominating the game and they were soon rewarded when Udanta rounded Debjit Majumder and coolly slotted the ball into the back of the net in the 52nd minute after stealing possession from Mohd Sajid Dhot. Bengaluru FC could have scored more but Prince Ibara and Rohit Kumar failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Chennaiyin FC had the opportunity to pull a goal back Lallianzuala Chhangte tested replacement goalkeeper Lara Sharma but the Bengaluru FC shot stopper managed to avert the danger.

Bengaluru FC will next face Kerala Blasters on Sunday, 30th January at 7:30 pm IST at the Tilak Maidan while Chennaiyin FC will take on East Bengal on Wednesday, 2nd February at 7:30 pm IST at the same venue. 

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