ISL 2025-26: Bengaluru FC and NorthEast United play out a stalemate in second game at Kanteerava
Bengaluru, Feb 22
Bengaluru FC hosted NorthEast United in a hard fought battle at the Kanteerava on Sunday. Braian Sanchez's first half goal Bengaluru FC an early lead, but Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia made a telling impact on the game after coming off the bench to equalize in the second half for NorthEast United FC.
With Rahul Bheke absent from the matchday squad, the responsibility to lead the team and the defensive line fell on Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's shoulders. The veteran goalie proved his mettle with a crucial save in the opening minutes to keep NorthEast at bay.
At the 20th minute mark, it was Braian Sanchez's turn to put his team ahead. BFC's no. 10 made a dazzling run through the middle of the park, before firing a low shot to the goalkeeper's left, and finding the back of the net.
Minute 37, NorthEast United's Gogoi was cautioned for a rash tackle on Suresh which left him floored at the edge of his own box. No. 7 Ryan Williams closed out the first half with some great skill and control at the edge of the box but failed to double BFC's lead heading into half-time.
In the second half, with NorthEast United chasing the game, they came close with a close-range header in the 60th minute, but skipper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu shut the opposition out once again with a brilliant reflex safe.
However, BFC and GSS could not keep NorthEast United out for long, as their substitute No. 21 Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia found the net in the 68th minute to bring the game back to level terms.
With time ticking down, both sides played an end-to-end game of football, but in the end neither of them were able to find a winner as the match came to a 1-1 draw.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Sanchez's goal was pure class! That run and finish... wow. But fair play to NorthEast, they fought hard. Lalbiaknia made a real impact off the bench. Two points dropped, but still early in the season. #WeAreBFC
Respectful criticism: The midfield lost control in the second half. We allowed NorthEast too much space after the break. Substitutions could have been made earlier to regain the initiative. Gurpreet can't save us every time.
As a neutral fan, that was a proper entertaining ISL match! End-to-end stuff in the final minutes. Both keepers had great games. The atmosphere at Kanteerava sounded electric on TV. ⚽
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is a national treasure! That save in the 60th minute was unbelievable. Proud to have him as our skipper. The man is a wall. 🇮🇳
Good away point for NorthEast! Shows great character to come back. Lalbiaknia is a super-sub. The ISL is so competitive this year, any team can take points off anyone. Exciting for the league!
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