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Bengaluru FC Held 1-1 by NorthEast United in Thrilling ISL Encounter

Bengaluru FC and NorthEast United FC played to an entertaining 1-1 draw in the Indian Super League. The home side took the lead in the first half through a fine strike from Argentine forward Braian Sanchez. NorthEast United responded after the break with substitute Lalrinzuala scoring a superb equalizer shortly after coming on. Both teams pushed for a winner, with chances and saves at both ends, but had to settle for a point.

Key Points: Bengaluru FC vs NorthEast United FC ends 1-1 in ISL

  • Braian Sanchez scores opener
  • Lalrinzuala equalizes off bench
  • Gurpreet Singh Sandhu makes key saves
  • Both sides hit woodwork
2 min read

Bengaluru FC and NorthEast United play out a stalemate in ISL clash

ISL match ends in a 1-1 draw as Braian Sanchez and Lalrinzuala score. Read highlights and key moments from the thrilling encounter.

"The substitute made an immediate impact... lifted a right-footed finish over Gurpreet into the top corner. - Match Report"

Bengaluru, February 22

Bengaluru FC were held to a 1-1 draw by NorthEast United FC in Match 11 of the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, according to a release.

The Blues took a first-half lead through Braian Sanchez, but the Highlanders responded after the break to earn their first point of the season.

NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali made one change, bringing in Robin Yadav in defence for Redeem Tlang as they lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Bengaluru FC head coach Renedy Singh also made a defensive change, introducing Takhellambam Bungson Singh for Rahul Bheke.

The match began at a fast pace. NorthEast United's Parthib Gogoi tested Gurpreet inside the opening minute, and Jithin Madathil Subran followed with a blocked effort. Andy Rodriguez then delivered a teasing corner that Michel Zabaco headed against the woodwork.

Despite NorthEast United's early pressure, it was Bengaluru who struck first. Ashique Kuruniyan released Braian on the left. The Argentine cut inside and drilled a right-footed shot into the bottom corner from outside the box.

NorthEast United continued to press. Jithin forced a sharp save from Gurpreet, while Jairo Samperio and Macarton Nickson saw efforts blocked. Just before the interval, Andy's free-kick delivery struck the woodwork again following a deflection, with Robin unable to apply the finishing touch.

The Highlanders resumed strongly after the break. Zabaco headed wide, and Gurpreet produced a fine diving save at the hour mark to deny Asheer Akhtar. Moments later, he stood tall again to keep out Jairo's effort.

Benali introduced Lalrinzuala in the 64th minute, and the substitute made an immediate impact. In the 68th minute, he controlled a long ball from Asheer inside the area and lifted a right-footed finish over Gurpreet into the top corner to level the score at 1-1.

Both sides pushed for a winner. Sunil Chhetri fired wide, while Ashique and Nikhil Poojary went close from set-pieces. Jithin tested Gurpreet again late on. At the other end, Ryan Williams struck the bar in the 87th minute, and Lalremtluanga Fanai's rebound was blocked.

Neither side could find the decisive goal as the contest ended level in an entertaining encounter at the Kanteerava.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
What a goal by Lalrinzuala! Came off the bench and changed the game. That's the kind of impact we needed. Proud of the Highlanders for fighting back and getting our first point. The team spirit is visible. Keep going, boys! 🔥 #ApunKaTeam
V
Vikram M
Entertaining match for a neutral fan! Both teams hit the woodwork, lots of chances. But honestly, the quality of finishing from both sides needs to improve. Too many blocked shots and missed opportunities. The ISL needs more consistent goal-scorers.
R
Rohit P
Respect to NEUFC. They never gave up. But BFC fans, we need to ask some questions of Renedy Singh's tactics. We looked shaky after conceding. Why not make attacking subs earlier? We're playing too safe at home. Just my two paise.
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Sarah B
Was at the Kanteerava tonight! The atmosphere was electric, especially after that equalizer. Great to see young Indian players like Jithin and Ashique getting involved. The future is bright for Indian football. 🇮🇳⚽
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Karthik V
Braian Sanchez's goal was pure class! That cut inside and finish... wow. But our defence is a worry. Conceding from a simple long ball is not acceptable. Bheke was missed. Hope he's back soon.

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