Bengaluru were relegated despite a valiant 2–2 draw against Sreenidi Deccan in the I-League 2024–25 season on Saturday. Aizawl FC, their closest relegation rivals, clinched survival with a commanding 3–0 win over Namdhari FC, courtesy of a match-winning brace by Lalrinzuala. Both teams began the day level on 20 points, but Aizawl held the edge on head-to-head record. SC Bengaluru needed to win and hope Aizawl dropped points. But while the debutants could only salvage a draw, Aizawl rose to the occasion and earned a crucial three points, extending their top-flight stay to an 11th consecutive season. S C Bengaluru finished second from bottom with 21 points, bowing out after a brave but ultimately futile campaign. Sreenidi Deccan 2–2 SC Bengaluru: Gallant Effort, but Not Enough At the Deccan Arena, SC Bengaluru pushed hard in a must-win encounter. After a goalless first half, David Castañeda Muñoz struck early in the second period (47’) to put Sreenidi in front. Bengaluru fought back with determination. Substitute Ishaan Raghunanda (67’) equalised with a well-controlled finish, offering brief hope. …