Vinith Venkatesh’s stoppage-time equaliser rescued Bengaluru FC as NorthEast United were held to a 1-1 draw.

NorthEast United FC were left frustrated after Bengaluru FC scored a stoppage-time equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw in their Indian Super League (ISL) encounter. Jithin Madathil Subran gave the Highlanders an early lead in the first half, but Vinith Venkatesh came off the bench to rescue a point for the visitors in the 93rd minute.

Jithin puts NorthEast ahead

Both sides started with attacking intent, but it was NorthEast United who made the most of their early opportunity. Bengaluru FC had a couple of chances in the opening minutes, with Ricky Meetei and Ashique Kuruniyan unable to find the target.

The Highlanders gradually settled into the contest and broke the deadlock in the 15th minute. Ethyan González led a quick counter-attack before setting up Jithin Madathil Subran inside the box. The midfielder made no mistake, sending a left-footed effort into the bottom-left corner to put NorthEast United 1-0 ahead.

Bengaluru tried to respond through Borja Martínez and Soham Varshneya, but Gurmeet Singh stood firm between the posts. The NorthEast United goalkeeper also denied Borja from close range in the 33rd minute. At the other end, Alaeddine Ajaraie tested Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, but the Bengaluru custodian kept his side in the game.

Despite creating opportunities, Bengaluru went into the break trailing by a goal

Vinith changes the ending

Bengaluru FC came out with greater urgency after the restart. Both teams had opportunities, with Gurmeet and Gurpreet called into action to keep the score unchanged.

The visitors made changes to inject fresh energy into their attack, bringing on Sunil Chhetri in the 72nd minute. His introduction added experience and movement to Bengaluru’s forward line.

NorthEast United also had chances to extend their advantage, but Ethyan González and Alaeddine Ajaraie could not find the finishing touch. As the match entered its final stages, Bengaluru pushed more players forward in search of an equaliser.

Their persistence finally paid off in the 93rd minute. Chhetri picked out Vinith Venkatesh inside the penalty area, and the substitute calmly finished with his right foot into the bottom-left corner.

The late goal changed the outcome of the contest, with Bengaluru escaping with a point after trailing for most of the match. NorthEast United, meanwhile, will rue their missed opportunities to put the game beyond reach.