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PHOTOS: Bengaluru FC crowned I-League champions on debut

Last updated on: April 21, 2014 21:25 IST

Sunil Chhetri tries to break through a host of Dempo defenders in Monday's I-League match

First-timers Bengaluru FC wrote a new chapter in Indian football by clinching the I-League title in their debut season, courtesy a 4-2 away victory over Dempo Sports Club in Margao, Goa, on Monday, with captain Sunil Chhetri fittingly netting the final goal.

Needing a victory to snatch the title ahead of other established teams, Bengaluru were the dominant side from start to finish as they scored through Sean Rooney (2nd minute), Robin Singh (56th), John Menyongar (79th) and captain Sunil Chhetri (90+7).

Dempo reduced the margin through Roberto Silva (82nd minute) and substitute Romeo Fernandes (89th).

Meanwhile, Rangdajied United FC did what they had to do when they came away from the second Shillong derby with a point in a goalless draw against Shillong Lajong FC on Monday afternoon.

The point helped Rangdajied avoid relegation in their maiden season in the Airtel I-League, as they finished with 25 points.

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PHOTOS: Bengaluru FC crowned I-League champions on debut

Last updated on: April 21, 2014 21:25 IST

Bengaluru's Thoi Singh fires the ball from top of the box

There was no looking back after Sean Rooney gave Bengaluru a dream start in the second minute.

Dempo threatened a brief fightback but that was not enough.

The win helped the Southern club aggregate 44 points and take an unassailable lead with one round still to be played.

The likes of East Bengal and Salgaocar Football Club will play for second and third place.

Bengaluru needed a win any of their last two matches to emerge triumphant, but in the end it was clear that they would not leave anything to chance.

Robin Singh scored in the 56th minute to give the team a 2-0 lead. With ten minutes left to be played, Bengaluru put the issue beyond doubt when John Menyongar made it 3-0.

There was brief fight back from Dempo, as Brazilian midfielder Roberto Mendes da Silva pulled a goal back in the 82nd minute and Romeo Fernandes then scrambled home to make it 2-3.

But India and Bengaluru captain Chhetri scored the winners' fourth goal of the evening.

Coach Ashley Westwood was suspended for the game and assistant coach Pradyum Reddy took charge in the dugout. But Westwood had done enough in pre-match preparations to help his team sail through.