Bengaluru FC Secures Last-Minute Equalizer Against NorthEast United FC in ISL Clash
Bengaluru FC and NorthEast United FC End in a Draw
In a thrilling encounter on Friday, Bengaluru FC salvaged a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC during their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 match held at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. The visitors equalized in the dying moments of the game thanks to a goal from substitute Vinith Venkatesh in the 93rd minute, following a pass from Sunil Chhetri. Earlier, Jithin MS had given the home side the lead with a first-half goal.
Match Highlights and Key Events
Bengaluru FC started the match with enthusiasm, as Ashique Kuruniyan narrowly missed scoring after receiving a setup from Borja Martínez. NorthEast United responded with Ricky Meetei's attempt that went over the bar after a cross from Ryan Williams. The Highlanders found their rhythm, with Alaaeddine Ajaraie's shot from outside the box being saved by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
The hosts gradually took control, and the breakthrough came in the 15th minute when Gonzalez assisted Jithin, who finished with a left-footed shot into the bottom-left corner, as noted in a press release. Bengaluru FC sought to equalize, but goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh thwarted attempts from Soham Varshneya and Borja, while Ashique Kuruniyan missed a close-range header. NorthEast maintained their lead into halftime.
Second Half Developments and Late Drama
The second half kicked off with both teams' goalkeepers making crucial saves. Gurmeet denied Borja's close-range effort, while Gurpreet kept out two shots from Ethyan as NorthEast aimed to extend their lead. Bengaluru FC faced an injury setback when Shivaldo Singh had to be substituted for Sandro Embalo.
Despite the challenges, Bengaluru FC pressed forward, but Ryan Williams and Varshneya failed to convert their chances. NorthEast also made substitutions due to injuries, bringing on Parthib Gogoi and Redeem Tlang. The hosts continued to threaten, with Ethyan's shot being blocked after a setup from Ajaraie.
Bengaluru FC brought in Sunil Chhetri and Suresh Wangjam in search of an equalizer. Chhetri missed a chance from inside the box, and Manuel Iriondo headed wide from a corner. As the match neared its conclusion, NorthEast United aimed to defend their lead, with Ajaraie sending a free-kick over the bar.
With five minutes of added time announced, Bengaluru FC intensified their efforts for a late goal. Vinith initially missed a chance from the center of the box but redeemed himself moments later. In stoppage time, a clash between Gurmeet and Eneko Satrustegui led to a loose ball that Chhetri retrieved, setting up Vinith for a finish into the bottom-left corner, securing a 1-1 draw.