Matchday 57 ended on a stalemate with both Northeast United and Bengaluru scoring a goal each.
Both the sides took their time to settle and it was Bengaluru FC who produced the first clear opportunity of the game when Rahul Bheke’s cross found Kristian Opseth and Norwegian’s header was straight into Gurmeet’s hand.
Despite Bengaluru FC dominating the possession, it was Northeast who scored first. Just before the drinks break Federico Gallego intercepted the ball from Dimas Delgado and the Uruguayan’s beautiful pass in the box found Luis Machado. The Portuguese winger loves to score against the blues as he calmly finished his third goal of the season against the same opposition.
Northeast United looked dangerous after taking the lead. In 35th minute Federico Gallego’s pass found Rochherzela on the right flank and the number 77 for the Highlanders did deliver in a great ball and at the end of was VP Suhair who was unmarked but his header went above the crossbar.
Bengaluru too did not hold back and were pushing for an equaliser. A long throw-in by Rahul Bheke found Erik Paartalu who set up a beautiful opportunity for Cleiton Silva but the Brazilian’s effort was ruled out by the young shot stopper Gurmeet just before half-time.
The second half started brightly for the blues against Northeast United. Just 4 minutes into the second half and Rahul Bheke brought Bengaluru right back into it. A short Dimas Delgado free kick found Rahul on the right flank and the fullback released a shot through his weak foot and Gurmeet’s misjudgement saw things coming back on level terms.
The Highlanders were in no mood to sit back as Khassa Camara’s pass found VP Suhair in the box and the former
I- League champion’s header was denied access by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. And in the 73rd minute it was Federico Gallego who brought Gurpreet into action yet again and the Indian international did not let his teammates down.
The referee blew the full time whistle with neither sides being able to break the stalemate despite getting a couple of chances. Both Northeast United and Bengaluru FC earn their very first point in 2021 following the 1-1 draw at the Tilak Maidan.
Hero of the match :
Lalengmawia
The Indian Wonderkid yet again displayed another Hero of the match performance against the Blues. He was phenomenal in the middle of the park for the Highlanders. He made 5 successful tackles, one clearance and one block for his side.