Bengaluru FC snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes Indian Super League clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. The result kept Bengaluru's playoff hopes firmly alive while leaving the home side ruing missed opportunities in a match that swung one way and then the other.

End-to-end first half

The game burst into life early. Chennaiyin took the lead in the 12th minute when winger Rahim Ali cut inside from the left and fired a low shot that beat Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu at his near post. But the visitors responded quickly: just five minutes later, midfielder Javi Hernández curled a free-kick over the wall and into the top corner, leaving Chennaiyin keeper Debjit Majumder with no chance. The remainder of the first half was a frantic back-and-forth, with both sides hitting the woodwork – Chennaiyin's Anirudh Thapa struck the crossbar, and Bengaluru's Sunil Chhetri saw a header cannon off the post.

Second half: Bengaluru's winning moment

The second period continued at a furious pace. Chennaiyin pushed hard to regain the lead, and Sandhu had to make a stunning double save in the 54th minute to keep out Petar Slišković and then Edwin Vanspaul on the rebound. However, Bengaluru proved more clinical. In the 72nd minute, a quick throw-in caught Chennaiyin's defence out of position, and substitute Udanta Singh raced onto a through ball before squaring for Chhetri, who tapped into an empty net for his 10th goal of the season.

Late drama and final whistle

Chennaiyin threw everything forward in the final ten minutes. They had a strong penalty appeal turned down when a cross appeared to strike a Bengaluru arm, and Sandhu again produced a fine save to deny Lalrinzuala in stoppage time. But Bengaluru held on to secure a crucial three points that moved them into fourth place in the ISL standings, just two points behind the top three.

What it means

• Bengaluru FC: Win their fourth consecutive away match and climb to 4th with 31 points from 19 games.
• Chennaiyin FC: Remain in 7th position with 25 points, their playoff prospects now hanging by a thread.
• Head-to-head: Bengaluru have now won three of the last four meetings between these two southern rivals.

The match was a testament to the ISL's competitiveness, with both sides showing quality and heart. For Bengaluru, the heroics of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (who registered five saves) and Sunil Chhetri's poacher's instinct proved decisive. Chennaiyin will look back at missed chances and defensive lapses that cost them dearly in front of their home fans.