BENGALURU: NorthEast United FC held Bengaluru FC to an enthralling 2-2 draw at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Friday, November 8, 2024.

Despite the quick start, the Highlanders had to return home with a solitary point from the match. Key Performer of the Match, Alaaeddine Ajaraie netted twice in the first quarter, becoming the fastest player to reach the mark of 10 goals in the ISL (in eight matches).

Alberto Noguera pulled one back for Bengaluru FC in between. Later, substitute Ryan Williams came up with the equaliser to split points between the two teams.

The visitors struck first blow in the eighth minute when Ajaraie handed the Highlanders an early lead from a counter-attack. The Moroccan caught the Bengaluru FC defenders off guard as he latched onto Dinesh Singh’s superb long ball. He was through on goal and showed no signs of nerves in slotting the ball past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in goal.

In retaliation, Bengaluru FC scored the equalising goal in the 11th minute. Following a long throw, NorthEast United FC failed to clear their lines properly, and the ball fell in Noguera’s path. Noguera pulled the trigger from a distance and nestled the ball into the top corner.

However, the parity didn’t last long as the Highlanders wrestled back their lead in the 14th minute Ajaraie made no mistake in slotting it home, recording his 11th strike of the season.

Ryan Williams brought the equaliser for Bengaluru FC in the 70th minute. He slotted the ball home from Mohammed Salah’s cross to bring the Blues right back into the game.

Bengaluru FC will travel to Kolkata after the international break to face Mohammedan Sporting on November 27, while NorthEast United GC will visit New Delhi to face Punjab FC on November 23.

(Courtesy: ISL Media Team)