Things seemed to be proceeding as planned for Bengaluru FC, with a Cleiton Silva goal to protect against one of the weaker sides in the league this season. However, NorthEast United hit back and perhaps ended the Blues’ hopes of reaching the Indian Super League playoffs in the process.
United’s third win of the season didn’t do much for their playoff hopes – the Highlanders are already out of top-four contention – but the result did leave a huge dent in Bengalurus finals contention.
Enjoying a resurgence midway through the season, it looked as if the Blues would secure one of the top four spots for themselves, but back-to-back losses have left them sixth in the table with 17 games played, looking up and yearning for miracles.
Bengaluru dominated possession against NorthEast and looked the more threatening of the two during the opening stages of the game. However, as the half progressed, the Highlanders were the ones receiving the best opportunities, which, had they taken, could’ve put them beyond the reach of their opponents.
Attacker Imran Khan got to the end of one such play in the 21st minute but rifled his header wide from six yards out. A couple of minutes later, forward Deshorn Brown, played in behind by VP Suhair, blasted his shot onto the woodwork.
Moments after the restart, Bengaluru’s stand-in goalkeeper Lara Sharma denied Suhair from heading NEUFC in front with a last-gasp save. At the other end, a few plays later, Mirshad Mishu got off his line to smother Sunil Chhetri as the forward raced clear of the opposition defence.
The opening goal of the game arrived in the 66th minute; Cleiton Silva got to Danish Farooq Bhat’s cross ahead of his marker – and goalkeeper Michu – and touched the ball into the net.
However, NorthEast United leveled things up in the 74th minute through Brown, whose header from a Joe Zoherliana cross looped over Lara and into the net. Six minutes later, the Highlanders took the lead. Marcelinho, taking initiative, burst through the Bengaluru defence before drawing a fine, low stop from Lara, but Laldanmawia Ralte was present and aware to tap in the rebound.
Bengaluru failed to retaliate, resulting in their second loss in two games. The Blues are facing a battle to qualify for the playoffs, having played more matches than some of the other contenders; they play Odisha, ATK Mohun Bagan, and East Bengal in their remaining fixtures.
