NorthEast United, Bengaluru see winless streaks continue with draw

Luis Machado (27’) opened the scoring for NEUFC, but Rahul Bheke (49’) cancelled out his goal after the break to help the ‘Blues’ salvage a point. The result meant Gerard Nus’s side is now winless in seven games, while Bengaluru saw its four-game losing streak end.

Both NEUFC and BFC made three changes each. However, NorthEast was forced to make a late change before the whistle with Lalengmawia replacing the injured Lalrempuia Fanai. Bengaluru started the game strongly and despite dominating possession, it entered the break trailing a goal down.

Machado put NEUFC ahead with a brilliant strike, after netting a brace against the ‘Blues’ in the reverse fixture. Federico Gallego dispossessed Dimas Delgado and made a run straight at the heart of Bengaluru’s defence before unleashing a shot. Pratik Chaudhari miscued his clearance, allowing Machado to receive the ball at the far post and slot it past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

The best chance for BFC arrived during injury time. But, NEUFC keeper Gurmeet Singh kept his side’s lead intact, denying Cleiton Silva. Bengaluru restored parity soon after the change of ends in a rather fortuitous fashion through a set-piece, after a howler from NEUFC goalkeeper Gurmeet.

Dimas played Bheke on the right flank, who cut on his weaker foot before launching a shot at goal. Gurmeet made an error while collecting the ball, allowing Bheke to net his first goal of the season.