Bengaluru FC produced a dramatic late comeback to secure a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC in their MG Indian Super League 2026-27 clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. Substitute Vinith Venkatesh scored in the 93rd minute to deny the home side all three points. NorthEast United looked set to claim victory after Jithin MS gave them the lead in the 15th minute. However, Vinith rescued a point for Bengaluru FC by converting a pass from Sunil Chhetri deep into stoppage time.

Jithin MS Gives NorthEast United the First-Half Lead

Bengaluru FC started the match with attacking intent and created a few early opportunities. Ashique Kuruniyan came close to scoring after receiving a pass from Borja Martínez but failed to hit the target. Ricky Meetei also missed an opportunity, sending his effort over the crossbar following a cross from Ryan Williams. NorthEast United gradually found their rhythm and responded through Alaaeddine Ajaraie. His long-range attempt forced Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu into a save. The Highlanders continued to threaten the visitors' defence, with both Jithin and Ajaraie creating dangerous moments. Their efforts paid off in the 15th minute when NorthEast United opened the scoring. During a quick counterattack, González played the ball to Jithin MS. The midfielder controlled the opportunity and fired a left-footed shot into the bottom-left corner to put the hosts 1-0 ahead. Bengaluru FC attempted to restore parity before the break. However, NorthEast goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh made important saves to keep out efforts from Soham Varshneya and Borja Martínez. Borja tested Gurmeet again with a shot from the left side of the penalty area, while Ashique Kuruniyan failed to convert a close-range header. NorthEast United also created opportunities through Ajaraie and Jithin, but neither managed to find the target. The Highlanders therefore went into half-time with a narrow 1-0 advantage.

Both Teams Create Chances After Half-Time

The second half began with both goalkeepers playing important roles. Gurmeet denied Borja from close range, while Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made two saves to stop Ethyan from increasing NorthEast United's lead. Bengaluru FC suffered an injury setback when Shivaldo Singh was forced to leave the field. Sandro Embalo replaced him as the visitors continued their search for an equaliser. Ryan Williams and Soham Varshneya both attempted to trouble the NorthEast defence, but neither could direct their efforts on target. The hosts also made changes after Jithin MS picked up an injury. Parthib Gogoi replaced him, while Redeem Tlang came on for Macarton Nickson. NorthEast United continued to threaten despite the substitutions. Ethyan saw his effort blocked after receiving a pass from Ajaraie. Abdul Rabeeh also had a shot from outside the penalty area blocked by the Bengaluru defence.

Sunil Chhetri Comes On as Bengaluru Push for Equaliser

With time running out, Bengaluru FC introduced experienced forward Sunil Chhetri and Suresh Wangjam to strengthen their attacking efforts. Chhetri had an opportunity to level the score from inside the penalty area after Borja delivered a cross, but he failed to convert it. Manuel Iriondo also came close when his header from a corner went wide. NorthEast United focused on protecting their narrow advantage during the closing stages. Ajaraie had an opportunity to extend the lead through a free-kick, but his attempt sailed over the crossbar. The referee added five minutes of stoppage time, giving Bengaluru one final opportunity to avoid defeat.

Vinith Venkatesh Scores Dramatic 93rd-Minute Equaliser

Bengaluru FC continued to push forward in search of a late goal. Vinith Venkatesh initially missed an opportunity from the centre of the box after Monirul Molla set him up. However, the substitute made amends moments later with a crucial equaliser. Deep into stoppage time, NorthEast goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh collided with Eneko Satrustegui and failed to hold on to the ball. Sunil Chhetri collected possession and delivered a pass to Vinith inside the penalty area. Vinith made no mistake this time and calmly finished into the bottom-left corner in the 93rd minute to make it 1-1. The late strike stunned the home supporters and denied NorthEast United a victory on their home ground. Bengaluru FC walked away with a valuable point after producing a determined fightback in the closing moments.