Sreenidi Deccan FC 2 (David Castañeda Muñoz 47’, 87’)
drew with
SC Bengaluru 2 (Ishaan Raghunanda 67’, Shanid Valan 90+5’)

AIFF Media Team

HYDERABAD: SC Bengaluru’s debut I-League campaign ended in heartbreak as they were relegated despite a spirited 2–2 draw against Sreenidi Deccan FC at the Deccan Arena on Saturday, April 5, 2025. All goals came in a lively second half.

David Castañeda Muñoz (47’, 87’) scored a brace for the hosts, while Bengaluru substitutes Ishaan Raghunanda (67’) and Shanid Valan (90+5’) netted for the visitors.

The result, however, wasn’t enough for SC Bengaluru, who were locked in a do-or-die relegation scrap with Aizawl FC going into the final matchday. Both teams were level on 20 points, but Aizawl held the advantage due to a better head-to-head record — having beaten Bengaluru in both fixtures this season.

For SC Bengaluru, survival hinged on securing a win and hoping for a slip-up from Aizawl. But while they could only manage a draw, while Aizawl FC delivered when it mattered, producing a commanding 3–0 win over Namdhari FC. With that, Aizawl finished on 23 points, while Bengaluru bowed out with 21 points from 22 matches, ending second from bottom.

Sreenidi Deccan, meanwhile, wrapped up a mixed campaign, finishing sixth with 30 points from 22 games.

The match itself was a tale of two halves. The first half remained goalless, with both sides squandering chances. But the action unfolded immediately after the restart. In the 47th minute, Sreenidi Deccan struck the opener. A precise through ball carved open the SC Bengaluru defence, and Muñoz calmly slotted it past goalkeeper Bishal Lama to notch his 16th goal of the campaign.

SC Bengaluru, knowing their survival depended on a win, responded with urgency. Their pressure paid off in the 67th minute, when substitute Ishaan Raghunanda made an impact. After receiving a floated ball into the box from Thomyo Shimray, Raghunanda showed excellent control and composure to finish past goalkeeper CK Ubaid, who was caught out of position.

However, Muñoz wasn’t done yet. In the 86th minute, a low drive forced a save from Lama, but the rebound fell kindly to the Colombian, who calmly slotted it home to complete his brace.

SC Bengaluru fought till the end, and their perseverance earned them a stoppage-time equaliser. Shravan Shetty whipped in a low ball across the face of the goal and Shanid Valan was perfectly placed to guide the ball home and make it 2-2. But by then, Aizawl’s win had sealed Bengaluru’s fate, rendering their late leveller meaningless.