Bengaluru, February 22 – In a pulsating encounter at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru FC and NorthEast United FC battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw on Sunday evening. The match showcased end-to-end action, with both sides pushing relentlessly but ultimately sharing the spoils.
Bryan Sanchez opened the scoring for the home side in the first half, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack. The forward sprinted down the flank and slotted a low shot past the goalkeeper into the bottom left corner, sending the crowd into raptures at the 20th-minute mark.
With regular skipper Rahul Bhheke sidelined, veteran goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu took charge of the defense. Sandhu was instrumental early on, making crucial saves to deny NorthEast United an opener and keeping his team in the ascendancy.
NorthEast United responded fiercely after the break. Despite a header being brilliantly tipped away by Sandhu in the 60th minute, substitute Lallirinzuala Lalbiaknia leveled the scores in the 68th minute with a clinical finish, igniting hopes of a comeback.
Both teams threw everything forward in the closing stages. Ryan Williams came close for Bengaluru, while NorthEast pressed high, but stout defending and wayward finishing ensured no winner emerged. The point leaves Bengaluru seeking momentum in the ISL standings, as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead.