Bengaluru FC convert in Miku of time to against NorthEast United cement dominance at top in ISL

Bengaluru FC picked up their first win on the road as they edged past NorthEast United FC 1-0 after Miku's second-half strike in the Indian Super League.

Bengaluru FC celebrate after scoring goal. | PTI

GUWAHATI: It was tale of margins. In an entertaining affair between NorthEast United and Bengaluru FC, there were chances aplenty. Players put their bodies on the line and there were tricks and flicks.
It was hard to pick a winner. But it was the away team who walked away happy after Miku made his chance count just after the second-half whistle, helping Bengaluru FC regain top spot at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium.

NorthEast manager named an unchanged XI. With warm reception from home crowd on a chilly evening, they were looking to upset Bengaluru FC, who started with three new faces. After a cautious start, it was the visitors who warmed up quicker. Miku, who now is the joint top-scorer with four goals, got the first eye-catching chance.

He received a long pass from the midfield and seemed certain to score, but could not quite connect. Minutes later, he was at it again. Flirting around the NorthEast danger zone, the 32-year-old had keeper TP Rehenesh on his toes. It was busy period for NorthEast centre-backs Jose Gonclaves and Sambinha.
Despite promise, it looked like BFC had left their shooting boots home. Harmanjot Singh and skipper Sunil Chhetri got their share of chances, but couldn’t convert. The first real chance for the home side arrived at the half-an-hour mark. Forward Danilo Lopes broke free on the left and had only Lalthuammawia Ralte to pass. The Brazilian followed it up with a tame effort.

Minutes later, Aduksib Goiano had an equally great chance. But the storyline remained the same. He could not quite it make it count. No 10 Marcinho was also culprit for missing quite a number of chances. Thus, the opening 45 minutes ended with plenty to mull for both sides.

Just after restart, Miku brought back what was missing. He found the back of the net with a neat finish from inside the penalty box. Keeper TP Rehenesh tried to clear the ball but could only clear as far as Udanta. The latter broke free from Sambinha on the right and calmly picked out Miku in the middle. Miku completed the job with ease.

From then on, it was an equal game. Like the first half, both sides had chances. For the trailing team, especially, it looking like a losing battle as misses kept happening. BFC defence, which has come under fire this term, were tested. But they held on.

Fours yellows during clash

The match between Bengaluru FC and NorthEast United FC witnessed four NEUFC players — Nirmal Chettri, Reagan Singh, Adilson Goiano, Luis Alfonso — getting a yellow card.

Goa set to face Blasters exam

Fatorda: A resurgent FC Goa will host Kerala Blasters, a side still looking for its first win of the season on Saturday. The two sides have won three matches apiece from their six meetings.

anmol@newindianexpress.com