Indian Super League: Chennaiyin FC draws away from Bengaluru FC

The results were progressive for the Chennai-based team that finished eighth last season. An early goal pressured the home side by Bengaluru's Roy Krishna, the fourth-highest goal scorer in ISL. 

The Marina Machans' then retaliated, and Prasanth Karuthadathkuni converted their efforts. Keeper Debjit Majumder was sent off in the game's final moments, and Chennaiyin could only manage one point.

Both teams entered the match with brilliant first-day wins, but Bengaluru started as the dominant team and scored the first goal within four minutes. 

Sivasakthi Narayanan sent in a cross from the right flank. As it landed on the six-yard area, where Roy Krishna's header went over Debjit and rippled the net. 

After conceding a goal, Chennaiyin revved up their engine at the 15-minute mark. They were adept in curtailing passes and could create opportunities in attack. 

Prashanth and fullback Ajith Kumar, known for throwing underwhelming performances in their win over ATK Mohun Bagan, were brutal on the right flank in a 3-5-2 formation. 

Prashanth pressed forward into the box, while Ajith was a pillar during passes made with Jiteshwor Singh. Chennaiyin made an elusive show of passes and runs. 

Gurpreet blocked Prasanth's attempt, Fallou Diagne's header from a corner marginally missed the net, and Petar Sliskovic's volley touched the crossbar.

Chennaiyin FC was looking to draw blood Sliskovic responded to centre-back Sandesh Jhingan's pass in the stoppage time of the first half. He played a through ball into the opening left by Jhingan, and Prasanth registered a finish past Gurpreet.

Chennaiyin goalkeeper Vafa Hakhamaneshi replaced Debjit Majumdar

After the interval, Bengaluru coach Simon Grayson midfielder Jayesh Rane in place of Sivasakthi to counter Chennaiyin's destructive right flank. The match equally favoured both teams as the sides competed to grab the lead.  

Chennaiyin created more chances, and multiple substitutions were made. As the game entered the 82nd minute, Debjit Majumder challenged Roy Krishna outside his box, receiving a straight red. 

As the club used their three substitution windows, center-back Vafa Hakhamaneshi became the keeper. Although Bengaluru tried to take advantage of the situation, Chennaiyin made another attempt at stoppage time.

Substitute Kwame Karikari darted with the ball inside his half and almost scored. The shot went over the bar, much to fans' disappointment. Now, the Marina Machans will face Goa FC, and Bengaluru will take on Hyderabad in the upcoming fixtures.