BENGALURU: Bengaluru FC defeated Chennaiyin FC 1-0 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, to qualify for the playoffs of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25.

Chennaiyin FC, who now have 24 points from 22 games, will not make the playoffs, whereas the Blues see themselves at the third spot courtesy of 37 points as a result of this triumph. The Gerard Zaragoza-coached side held 57.1% of the possession and were constantly in the hunt for goals, though their only strike of the night came through Rahul Bheke’s emphatic finish inside the box in the first half.

The Blues discovered an opening in the 37th minute upon maximising a flawless set-piece move wherein Alberto Noguera stepped up for a free-kick from distance on the right side of the field.

Noguera took a bit before delivering the cross, and it was perfectly executed as the ball surpassed the entire Chennaiyin FC wall and instead met Rahul Bheke, who had made a dashing decoy run from the left side to the six-yard box. Bheke used his right foot to drill the ball into the top right corner to break the deadlock amid aplomb from the supporters in the stands.

Bengaluru FC will next play East Bengal FC on March 2, whereas Chennaiyin FC are slated to feature against NorthEast United FC on March 3.

(Courtesy: ISL Media Team)