ISL 2018-19: Bengaluru FC 1-0 Chennaiyin FC - 5 Takeaways from the game

#4 A repeat of last year's finals is highly likely

Both Chennaiyin and Bengaluru are capable of making the finals yet again [Credits: ISL]

Sree Kanteerava Stadium was in for a treat for the first game as a repeat of last year's finals took place at the very same ground. Although the home team were able to manage a 1-0 victory, Chennaiyin FC fans would certainly claim that they played the better football.

Having 58% possession and completing 428 passes, Chennayin FC hoped to pick up from where they left off. They were hungry, solid and showed sheer quality at times. But a stunning strike from Miku towards the end of the first half proved to be the difference between the teams.

Chennaiyin FC has some of the best midfielders in the league and they proved just that during the game. Gregory Nelson and Raphael Augusto caused all sorts of problems for the Blues. They will take nothing wrong out of their performance and only regret a few missed opportunities. With 17 games still remaining in the league, a top 4 finish is still highly likely for the 'Super Machans'.

On the other hand, Bengaluru FC showed a good performance as well and sheer quality apart from Miku's strike. They will hope to avenge their finals loss and win the whole tournament this year. Carles Cuadrat is a manager who seems to unlock the best out of players and his passionate approach could see high success in the near future.

A repeat of last year's finals might very well be on the cards this year as both finalists from last year looked skilful and played very good football. Chennayin FC face FC Goa next while Bengaluru FC face Tim Cahill's Jamshedpur FC.