NorthEast United Vs Bengaluru FC Highlights, ISL: NEUFC 0-2 BFC At Full-time

Welcome to the live coverage of the Indian Super League 2024-25 where NorthEast United host Bengaluru FC in the beautiful Meghalaya capital of Shillong.

Both these teams are firmly in contention to qualify for the playoffs, as NorthEast United FC are positioned fourth with 32 points from 21 games, whereas Bengaluru FC have garnered 31 points from 20 outings and are placed sixth in the table.

Mumbai City FC defeated NorthEast United FC 2-0 on February 7 in what was the first ever Indian Super League game at Shillong's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

The two sides have played each other 17 times in the league, with NorthEast United FC winning twice and Bengaluru FC emerging victorious in eight games. Seven matches have produced draws.

The game begins. Referee sounds the whistle and Shillong crowd roars. The Highlanders up against the Blues. An important game for both sides begins. Both sides in 4-3-3 formation.

3' GOAL!!!

Ryan Williams hands Bengaluru FC the lead in just the third minute. What a start. Usually, it is the NorthEast United who score early goals but this time they concede. Williams fires a left footer from the box and the ball beats the goalkeeper to land up in the net.

15' A good start for Bengaluru. They are up a goal and are still looking the more threatening side. NorthEast yet to get a shot so far in the game.

26' NorthEast have come back into the game but they are still looking for that equaliser in front of a good Bengaluru defence. Ajaraie has got a shot on target but that was saved. As of now, Bengaluru have managed to keep a lid on NorthEast despite the hosts controlling more of the ball.

31' MISS! Phalguni Singh comes close to open the scoring for the NorthEast United FC but he misses. A free kick taken by Ajaraie and then Redeem Tlang passes it to Singh who takes the shot from outside the box but it is too high.

45+1' We are into the added time now ahead of the half-time whistle. Four minutes of added time has been announced. It has been an equal game so far. NorthEast have controlled the ball far more but in terms of attacks it has been an even game.

HALF-TIME!!!

There is the whistle and we will move into the break now. An even game so far except that early goal from Ryan Williams which handed Bengaluru early advantage.

Second half begins! NorthEast are aiming for the equaliser and Shillong crowd too awaits the same. Let us what is in store for the next 45 minutes or so.

56' Néstor Albiach with a headed shot on the goal but it is weak and easily collected by the goalkeeper of Bengaluru Ralte. NorthEast really need to push hard here. Time is moving quickly.

69' NorthEast United somehow not managing the goal despite making consistent attacks. The game is being played in the Bengaluru half but their defence is managing to stay in position to deny the Highlanders. But for how long can they do it?

74' Ajaraie with the shot but it is off target. He has not found many opportunities to score today but just before the drinks break the Moroccan finds a shot from outside the box but it is just too far from the goalpost. The Proteas bowling is neither giving away runs nor missing out on wickets.

80' Ajaraie has been denied once again. A header from the Moroccan is blocked by Bhutia just inches away from the goalpost. Brilliant defending and NorthEast just can not find that one goal despite consistent attacks. Some good work in the defence by Bengaluru.

81' GOAL!!!

This might seal the game for Bengaluru. Alberto Noguera with the goal on an empty post as the NorthEast goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh has been beaten on the other side of the post trying to collect an ariel ball. Poor from Gurmeet and a brilliant finish from Noguera to double Bengaluru's lead.

90+1' 10 minutes added in the game. Moya Ralte, the Bengaluru FC goalkeeper, has injured himself and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu who did not start today has come to the pitch.

FULL-TIME!!!

Bengaluru FC win! The Highlanders controlled the ball forever but just could not find the finish and Blues despite mostly defending found the net twice when they attacked.

Bengaluru FC beat NorthEast United 2-0 and thus solidify their claim on a top six spot. Ryan Williams gave the Blues the lead in just the third minute. After that it was a good back and forth with NorthEast heavily controlling the ball. NorthEast maintained possession in the second half as well and made a lot of attacks but the Bengaluru defence stood tall. Alberto Noguera then doubled Blues' lead in the 81st to effectively seal the game.

Bengaluru move up to the fourth spot now and NorthEast drop just below them. A good result for Bengaluru who have a game in hand but NorthEast will really feel the pinch of this loss.

It was a close game of football even though the scoreline would suggest otherwise. Anyways, we will end our coverage. Thank you for following us.