Bengaluru FC Held by NorthEast United in Thrilling 1-1 Draw

Bengaluru FC were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC in Match 11 of the 2025-26 Indian Super League at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Sunday.

After a first half that saw Braian Sanchez score for the hosts seemed set to take all three points. However, a spirited second half comeback from the Highlanders forced a shared result with Lalrinzuala's composed finish giving NorthEast United their first point of the season.

Sanchez Strikes But Highlanders Are Not Done Fighting

The match began at a fast tempo and NorthEast United had early intent in the game. Parthib Gogoi tried Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in the first minute, Jithin Madathil Subran and Michel Zabaco were also dangerous in a lively period in which the visitors hit the woodwork from a set piece.

Despite an early pressure from the Highlanders, Bengaluru broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. Ashique Kuruniyan made a pass play for Sanchez on the left side who cut inside and hit an accurate right foot shot from outside the box into the bottom corner.

NorthEast United did not give up. Jithin continued to test the Bengaluru defence and Jairo Samperio and Macarton Nickson nearly equalised. Just before half-time a dangerous delivery hit the woodwork and the visitors were trailing 1-0.

Second‑Half Revival

The Highlanders came back in the second half and in renewed purpose. Zabaco's header missed it and Sandhu made a fine diving save just past the forty minute mark. A few minutes later the Bengaluru goalkeeper again held the line to deny Jairo from close range.

The tactical change of head coach Juan Pedro Benali in the 64th minute was decisive. Substituting Lalrinzuala had an immediate effect. Four minutes later, he hooked on a long ball from Asheer Akhtar inside the penalty area and deliciously lifted his shot over Sandhu to the top corner, to level the score.

The equaliser changed the momentum and both sides went to the ball for a winner in the last quarter.

Late Drama, No Winner

Sunil Chhetri and Ashique Kuruniyan created the menace from set-pieces for Bengaluru and Jithin continued to test Sandhu at the opposite end. In the 87th minute, Ryan Williams missed a chance to win the game in the 87th minute, hitting on the crossbar before the rebound shot from Lalremtluanga Fanai was blocked in a crowded box.

Despite late chances at both ends neither team could find the decisive breakthrough and the contest ended in a deserved stalemate.

Lalrinzuala was Player of the Match for his influential cameo and well-applauded equaliser.

The result sees Bengaluru frustrated at home while, NorthEast United will take heart from a resilient performance which earned them their first point of the campaign.

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