Bengaluru regains top spot with win over NorthEast

Bengaluru FC pulled off a 2-1 win over NorthEast United which catapulted it to the top of the ISL points table at Sree Kanteerava Stadium here today.

Bengaluru, which also had beaten the visitor at Guwahati in the first leg, scored the goals in 14th and 51st minute. It took the lead first with the help of Juanan’s header on curling Edu Garcia’s free-kick from the left flank.

As it happened

Captain Sunil Chhetri, once again gave the host the much-needed lead, after it had conceded an equaliser just before the end of the first half. Chettri, in the first-time kick, found the back of the net on Harmanjot Singh Khabra’s curling cross inside the box from right flank.

In 81st minute, NorthEast had a chance which was frittered away by Columbian John Jairo Mosquera with his misguided header after Nirmal Chettri curled a cross inside the box.

There was a three-minute halt after one of the floodlights dimmed out in the 26th minute.

With this win, Bengaluru now has 24 points from 12 matches, ahead of Chenniyin FC, which has 23 from as many matches.

Chhetri breaks ISL goalscoring record for Indian player

The host has won eight games so far, smashing 23 goals and conceding 14. FC Pune is placed third with 22 points in 12 matches.

Bengaluru will play its next match against ATK on February 3, but before plays its return AFC match against Bhutan’s Transport United on January 30.