ISL 2024-25: Williams’ Double Secures Bengaluru’s Victory Over Chennaiyin in Thrilling 6-Goal Match
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Chennai, Dec 28 (NationPress) Ryan Williams scored a stunning brace to propel Bengaluru FC to a 4-2 victory over Chennaiyin FC, closing the gap on the league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday night.
Williams found the net twice, while Sunil Chhetri also contributed, allowing Bengaluru FC (27 points) to trim the deficit to just two points behind Mohun Bagan Super Giant (29) as the year concludes. Irfan Yadwad and Lalrinliana Hnamte were the goal scorers for Chennaiyin FC.
The match kicked off with high intensity, as Rahul Bheke tested Mohammed Nawaz with a header right from the start. Daniel Chima Chukwu nearly gave the hosts the lead a few minutes later, receiving a brilliant pass from Lukas Brambilla, but his shot was blocked by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
Despite dominating possession early on, Chennaiyin FC found themselves trailing when Williams scored from a cross by Jorge Pereyra Diaz in the 16th minute. However, the lead was short-lived, as Irfan equalized for the Marina Machans just three minutes later, finishing a well-placed pass from Brambilla.
In the 43rd minute, Bengaluru FC regained the advantage against the run of play. Williams delivered a cross to an unmarked Chhetri, who made no mistake in heading the ball past Nawaz for a 2-1 lead. Just before half-time, Chennaiyin FC leveled again when Gurpreet failed to handle a header from Lalrinliana Hnamte following a long throw-in.
Chennaiyin FC dominated the first half, pressing high and creating chances, but they lacked the finishing touch as the teams went into the break tied. The second half saw the Marina Machans maintain their press, but this left space for Bengaluru FC to exploit.
Bengaluru FC nearly took the lead in the 56th minute, but Pedro Capo's shot was saved by Nawaz after a good combination with Pereyra Diaz. As the game progressed, Bengaluru FC began to find their rhythm, with key contributions from Pereyra Diaz, Noguera, and Williams. They eventually took the lead in the 69th minute when Pereyra Diaz set up Williams, who scored to make it 3-2.
After taking the lead, coach Gerard Zaragoza made defensive substitutions, bringing on Aleksandar Jovanovic and Vinith Venkatesh. In response, Owen Coyle introduced Kiyan Nassiri for Farukh Choudhary to bolster the attack.
However, it became worse for Chennaiyin FC when Williams’ cross was inadvertently turned into the net by Laldinliana Renthlei in the 82nd minute, giving Bengaluru FC a two-goal cushion. In the closing moments, Chennaiyin FC had several opportunities but were unable to capitalize, suffering their fifth defeat in the last six matches.
Bengaluru FC's next match is against Jamshedpur FC on January 4, while Chennaiyin FC will face Odisha FC on January 9.
