Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Feb 22: Bengaluru FC were forced to share the spoils in a tightly contested 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Sunday.

The hosts struck first through Braian Sanchez, whose 20th-minute effort handed Bengaluru an early advantage. The Argentine midfielder surged through the centre before drilling a low shot past the goalkeeper to ignite the home crowd.

With regular skipper Rahul Bheke missing from the matchday squad, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu stepped up to marshal the defence. The experienced custodian made an important early save to deny NorthEast United and preserve Bengaluru’s lead. He was called into action again in the second half, producing a sharp reflex stop in the 60th minute to keep the visitors at bay.

Earlier, NorthEast’s Gogoi was booked in the 37th minute following a rash challenge on Suresh near the edge of the penalty area. Bengaluru nearly doubled their lead before halftime, but Ryan Williams’ promising build-up play did not translate into a second goal.

NorthEast United responded strongly after the break and found their equaliser in the 68th minute. Substitute Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia made an immediate impact, finishing clinically to bring the visitors back on level terms.

The closing stages saw both sides push for a winner in an open, end-to-end contest. However, despite late attempts from both camps, neither team could find a decisive goal, and the match concluded in a 1-1 stalemate.