Fri Sep 20 12:46:48 UTC 2024: ## Chhetri Shines as Bengaluru FC Clinch Top Spot

**Bengaluru, India:** Captain Sunil Chhetri came off the bench to score a brace and lead Bengaluru FC to a resounding 3-0 victory over Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League on Thursday. The win propelled Bengaluru to the top of the table, marking their second consecutive victory.

Rahul Bheke opened the scoring in the fifth minute for Bengaluru, capitalizing on a corner kick. Hyderabad struggled to break through the Bengaluru defense, which was reinforced by the introduction of Aleksandar Jovanovic in the second half.

Chhetri’s impact was immediate upon his arrival in the 57th minute. He converted a penalty in the 85th minute after Roshan Singh was fouled in the box. Chhetri then added a second goal with a diving header in stoppage time, solidifying Bengaluru’s dominance.

These were Chhetri’s first goals of the season, bringing his ISL goal tally to 63, tying him with Bartholomew Ogbeche as the league’s joint-highest goal scorer.

Bengaluru coach Gerard Zaragoza praised Chhetri’s performance, stating, “He wants to win all and he wants to play every minute. He pushes me a lot to put him on the pitch… But as you saw, he had 30 minutes and scored two goals. This is Sunil Chhetri, and this is what I expect from him this season – to be the top Indian scorer again.”

Zaragoza also highlighted the importance of having impactful substitutes like Chhetri and Jovanovic, emphasizing that “it’s 100% important to have a bench that can change the game.”

Bengaluru will next face Mohun Bagan Super Giant on September 28th, while Hyderabad FC will take on Punjab FC on September 25th.

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