NorthEast United held 1-1 by Bengaluru FC as late equaliser denies win

NorthEast United FC were pegged back in the closing minutes as Bengaluru FC salvaged a 1-1 draw in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday night.

Winger Jithin MS gave the home side the lead in the first half, and for long spells it looked as if that goal would be enough for a third home win of the season. But Bengaluru's veteran forward Sunil Chhetri, India's all-time leading international goalscorer, came off the bench and turned the game in the dying moments, setting up Vinith Venkatesh for the equaliser.

Still top, still unbeaten

The point keeps both sides unbeaten in the new season. NorthEast United remain at the top of the table with eight points, while Bengaluru are second on seven, having played a game fewer.

It was the second time in three matches that Bengaluru have come from behind to take something from a game, according to Sportstar.

For the Highlanders, the result extends a solid defensive start. Before Friday, Juan Pedro Benali's team had conceded only once in their first three league games, and they had been held 0-0 by Odisha FC in their previous outing, when striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie hit the post from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time.

Benali wanted more

On the eve of the match Benali had made clear he wanted his side to chase wins rather than settle for clean sheets. "I prefer to win 4-3. I don't want 0-0. I want to win," the head coach told reporters, describing Bengaluru as a tactically well-organised side with players who could hurt his team.

Bengaluru coach Pep Munoz had said his team would look to exploit spaces and stop NorthEast's counter-attacks. The visitors arrived having beaten Chennaiyin FC 2-0 in their last game.

The two teams' previous meeting, in February 2026, also finished 1-1, in Bengaluru.

What's next

Both clubs now head to Goa. NorthEast United take on Churchill Brothers on November 5, while Bengaluru face FC Goa a day later at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao.