Ryan Williams and Mihalio Perovic score as Bengaluru FC beat Chennaiyin FC 2-0 to extend their winning start in the MG Indian Super League 2026-27.

Bengaluru FC continued their impressive start to the MG Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season with a convincing 2-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday. Ryan Williams broke the deadlock in the first half before Mihalio Perovic struck after the restart to seal all three points for the home side on a rain-soaked evening.

Having started their campaign with a victory, Bengaluru entered the contest determined to maintain their momentum. Chennaiyin, meanwhile, were looking to build on their opening 1-1 draw against FC Goa. Despite the challenging playing conditions, both teams approached the game with attacking intent, resulting in an engaging midfield contest during the opening stages.

Bengaluru threatened first in the 11th minute when Williams delivered a dangerous curling ball into the penalty area. Perovic connected with a close-range header, but Chennaiyin goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz produced an excellent reaction save to keep the scores level.

The breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute. Soham Varshney split the Chennaiyin defence with a precise pass to Borja Martinez, whose right-footed attempt was stopped by Nawaz. Williams reacted fastest to the loose ball and finished the rebound, handing Bengaluru a deserved 1-0 lead.

Chennaiyin looked for an equaliser and created a promising opening nine minutes later. Mohammed Saheef sent a cross into the box for Ramon Tanque, whose header forced Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu into action. The visitors continued to probe for an opening, but Bengaluru’s defensive organisation prevented them from finding a breakthrough before the interval.

Ashique Kuruniyan Makes an Immediate Impact

Bengaluru emerged from the break with renewed attacking purpose and doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute. Williams was replaced by Ashique Kuruniyan at half-time, and the substitute quickly made his presence felt. Ashique played an incisive through ball to Borja Martinez, who lifted a cross into the penalty area. Perovic took advantage of Nawaz coming off his line and calmly converted to put the hosts firmly in control at 2-0.

Chennaiyin attempted to respond almost immediately. Prakadeswaran drove into the Bengaluru penalty area in the 55th minute and unleashed a right-footed shot, but Gurpreet was well positioned to make a comfortable save.

As the match progressed, both managers turned to their substitutes in search of fresh energy. Bengaluru introduced Naorem Roshan Singh and Nikhil Poojary in the 63rd minute, while Chennaiyin responded by bringing on Bryce Miranda and Ladrinpuia four minutes later.

Bengaluru captain Sunil Chhetri entered the field in the 70th minute, replacing Varshney. The experienced forward nearly added another goal in the closing stages, but Nawaz tipped his long-range left-footed effort over the crossbar in the 87th minute.

Chennaiyin refused to give up and continued pushing forward in stoppage time. Brison Fernandes tested Gurpreet with an attempt from distance in the first minute of added time, but the Bengaluru goalkeeper made another important save to preserve his clean sheet.

Bengaluru Maintain Their Winning Momentum

Despite Chennaiyin’s late efforts, Bengaluru remained composed at the back and managed the closing stages effectively. Their clinical finishing and disciplined defending proved decisive, with Williams and Perovic delivering the goals that separated the two sides.

The 2-0 result gives Bengaluru FC another valuable three points and extends their winning start to the 2026-27 ISL campaign. Chennaiyin FC, meanwhile, will look to recover from the defeat and improve their attacking efficiency in their upcoming fixture.