Bengaluru FC defeated NorthEast United FC by 2-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 tonight.
NorthEast United FC were arguably more industrious, making 25 crosses as compared to the 10 of the visitors, but the Gerard Zaragoza-coached side clinched the triumph eventually, moving to the fourth spot in the table with 34 points off 21 games.
The Highlanders are fifth with 32 points.
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Bengaluru FC built strong momentum from the onset; the entire frontline and midfield moved in tandem.
Ryan Williams landed into the centre of the box in the third minute, deviating from his usual wider role, and guided Alberto Noguera’s slick pass into the bottom left corner to open the scoring early on.
The home side tried to strike back, courtesy of Alaaeddine Ajaraie in the 18th minute, who was served a probing cross by Redeem Tlang.
The striker, positioned at the heart of the penalty box, made a thumping header that was saved at the high centre of the goal by Lalthuammawia Ralte.
The second essay began with a similar pattern of back-and-forth exchanges, as both teams battled to find their rhythm to assert their gameplay.
NorthEast United FC shook things up a bit, with Nestor Albiach making his presence felt in the final third. Thoi Singh served in an exquisite cross, which Albiach directed on target but Ralte was placed well to get his palm in line and save the effort from going in.
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Bengaluru FC pushed numbers ahead to find the second goal that could provide them greater safety, heading into the final few minutes of the encounter.
In the 81st minute, Noguera latched upon a loose ball at the centre of the box, with his left-footed strike drilling into the bottom left corner.
Both teams play Chennaiyin FC next, with the Blues hosting the Southern rival on February 25 while NorthEast United travels to Chennai for its penultimate league game on March 3.
Match score:
NorthEast United 0 lost to Bengaluru FC 2 (Williams 3’, Noguera 81’)
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com