ISL 2025-26: Lalrinzuala’s Strike Rescues NorthEast United a Draw vs Bengaluru FC

NorthEast United FC earned their first point of the Indian Super League 2025-26 season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Substitute Lalrinzuala came on in the 64th minute and made an immediate impact, equalizing in the 68th minute with a composed right-footed finish over Gurpreet Singh Sandhu after Braian Sánchez had given the Blues a 20th-minute lead. The Highlanders matched Bengaluru in possession and attempts throughout an entertaining contest that saw both teams hit the woodwork, with Ryan Williams striking the bar in the 87th minute. Lalrinzuala was named Player of the Match for his crucial contribution.

Match Summary

NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali made one change, bringing in Robin Yadav in defence for Redeem Tlang as they lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Bengaluru FC head coach Renedy Singh also made a defensive change, introducing Takhellambam Bungson Singh for Rahul Bheke. The match began at a fast pace with Parthib Gogoi testing Sandhu inside the opening minute, followed by Jithin Madathil Subran’s blocked effort and Andy Rodríguez’s teasing corner that Míchel Zabaco headed against the woodwork. Despite NorthEast United’s early pressure, Ashique Kuruniyan released Sánchez on the left who cut inside and drilled a right-footed shot into the bottom corner from outside the box.

The Highlanders continued to press with Jithin forcing a sharp save from Sandhu, while Jairo Samperio and Macarton Nickson saw efforts blocked. Just before the interval, Andy’s free-kick delivery struck the woodwork again following a deflection. After the break, Zabaco headed wide and Sandhu produced saves to deny Asheer Akhtar and Jairo before Lalrinzuala’s 68th-minute equalizer. Both sides pushed for a winner with Sunil Chhetri firing wide, while Williams struck the bar in the 87th minute with Lalremtluanga Fanai’s rebound blocked, but neither could find the decisive goal.

Match Scorecard

Goals: Braian Sánchez 20′ (Bengaluru FC), Lalrinzuala 68′ (NorthEast United FC) Player of the Match: Lalrinzuala (NorthEast United FC) Bengaluru head coach: Renedy Singh NorthEast United head coach: Juan Pedro Benali NorthEast United milestone: First point of ISL 2025-26 season

First Half: Sánchez Strikes Despite NorthEast Pressure

Early NorthEast Pressure — Woodwork Hit

The match began at a fast pace. NorthEast United’s Parthib Gogoi tested Gurpreet Singh Sandhu inside the opening minute, and Jithin Madathil Subran followed with a blocked effort.

Andy Rodríguez then delivered a teasing corner that Míchel Zabaco headed against the woodwork. The Highlanders were pressing high and creating opportunities early.

Sánchez Opens Scoring — 20th Minute

Despite NorthEast United’s early pressure, it was Bengaluru who struck first. Ashique Kuruniyan released Braian Sánchez on the left. The Argentine cut inside and drilled a right-footed shot into the bottom corner from outside the box to give the Blues the lead.

Sustained NorthEast Response

NorthEast United continued to press. Jithin forced a sharp save from Sandhu, while Jairo Samperio and Macarton Nickson saw efforts blocked.

Just before the interval, Andy Rodríguez’s free-kick delivery struck the woodwork again following a deflection, with Robin Yadav unable to apply the finishing touch. The Highlanders went into half-time trailing 0-1 despite matching the hosts in possession and attempts.

Second Half: Lalrinzuala Makes Immediate Impact

Sandhu’s Key Saves

The Highlanders resumed strongly after the break. Zabaco headed wide, and Sandhu produced a fine diving save at the hour mark to deny Asheer Akhtar. Moments later, he stood tall again to keep out Jairo Samperio’s effort.

Lalrinzuala Introduced — 64th Minute

Juan Pedro Benali introduced Lalrinzuala in the 64th minute, and the substitute made an immediate impact.

The Equalizer — 68th Minute

In the 68th minute, Lalrinzuala controlled a long ball from Asheer Akhtar inside the area and lifted a right-footed finish over Sandhu into the top corner to level the score at 1-1. It was a composed finish that showed great awareness and technique.

Late Drama — Both Sides Push for Winner

Both sides pushed for a winner. Sunil Chhetri fired wide, while Ashique Kuruniyan and Nikhil Poojary went close from set-pieces. Jithin tested Sandhu again late on.

At the other end, Ryan Williams struck the bar in the 87th minute, and Lalremtluanga Fanai’s rebound was blocked. Neither side could find the decisive goal, and the entertaining contest ended in a draw at the Kanteerava.

Match-Winning Performance: Lalrinzuala — Player of the Match

Key Performances

Bengaluru FC

NorthEast United FC

Key Statistics

NorthEast United FC

Bengaluru FC

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