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ISL Semi-final preview: A titanic contest is on the cards as table-toppers Bengaluru FC look to overturn a one-goal deficit against a depleted NorthEast United FC in the decisive second leg semi-final of the Indian Super League on Monday. Bengaluru have fought and won many battles at home but the biggest one awaits them at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. With the first leg in Guwahati having ended in a 2-1 win for the Highlanders, a 1-0 victory will be enough to send the Blues through to the final because of the away goal rule. On the other hand, a draw will favour NorthEast. A 2-1 result for the home team will send the fixture to extra time, while NorthEast scoring more than a goal will need Bengaluru to triumph by two goals or more to secure a spot in the final. The defeat against NorthEast United meant the Blue’s poor run of late has continued with their last five fixtures yielding just the single victory and three defeats. “We’re ready for a big game. We’re in a good mood and we have the feeling that here in Kanteerava in front of the supporters, we can give them one of the nights that we will remember through the years,” said Bengaluru FC coach Carles Cuadrat. Bengaluru will be buoyed by the crucial away goal scored by Xisco Hernandez at Guwahati as they look to enter the final for a second year in a row. The Bengaluru coach will look towards his main men, Miku and Sunil Chhetri, to step up at home as the Blues look to overturn a one-goal deficit. For NorthEast United, coach Eelco Schattorie will need to stretch his resources to the hilt after a fine victory which came at a cost. Having made it to the play-offs for the first time in their history, NorthEast will have to make do without the services of their star forward Bartholomew Ogbeche in Bengaluru. The Nigerian forward picked up a hamstring injury in the first-leg and he will be a big miss for the visitors on Sunday. The visitors are also sweating on the fitness of their midfielder Rowllin Borges who was replaced in the second-half at Guwahati due to an injury. With Ogbeche out, NorthEast will look towards Federico Gallego for inspiration with the industrious Uruguayan playmaker being one of the driving forces behind the side’s march to the play-offs. Gallego’s partnership with his compatriot Juan Mascia up top will be crucial to the visitors’ chances with the latter likely to start in Ogbeche’s absence after his late winner from the penalty spot in Guwahati. “I know exactly how Bengaluru FC play and they know how we play. Last game, first half we completely dominated. We lost two key players. Second half was way more difficult. But it had to with the changes we did in the team. But coming here we know that this is a game that is all or nothing. We will be trying to reach the final,” said Schattorie. Both coaches know this is the decisive clash. Both will be without their deputies after they were suspended for their role in the fracas that followed the first-leg clash at Guwahati. Both know there is just too much at stake now. For the full Indian Super League schedule, click here For all the results from this Indian Super League season, click here For the Indian Super League points table, click here With inputs from PTI.
ISL 2018-19 Semi Final Match Highlights, Bengaluru FC vs NorthEast United: Late onslaught takes Bengaluru into final
Follow all the latest updates from the ISL 2018-19 match between Bengaluru FC and NorthEast United FC with Firstpost on our live blog
 "ISL 2018-19 Semi Final Match Highlights, Bengaluru FC vs NorthEast United: Late onslaught takes Bengaluru into final")
That’s it from us folks!
Join us again on Tuesday, as Mumbai City FC travel to Fatorda with a 4-goal deficit, in an attempt to make it into the ISL final. Until then, goodnight!
FT Bengaluru FC 3 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 4-2)
Bengaluru are into the final! It was a real close contest until Miku’s goal, after which NorthEast United were caught unawares on a couple of occasions. Bengaluru will face one of either Mumbai City FC or FC Goa, though little doubt remains as to who their potential opponents could be.
Bengaluru FC 3 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 4-2)
ALL OVER! Bengaluru FC on course to become the first ever team in ISL to reach back-to-back finals. Super performance from home side who have outclassed NorthEast United on the day
Bengaluru FC 2 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 3-2)
Udanta Singh has been the man of the match for BFC. Created both goals after sending in some delicious crosses. At 2-0 the situation doesn’t change much for NorthEast who can send the tie into extra time with a goal
Bengaluru FC 1 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 2-2)
Nikhil Kadam coming on for NorthEast United. So there will be no Ogbeche in action today. I guess Eelco Schattorie feels he isn’t fit enough to have an impact
Bengaluru FC 1 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 2-2)
FINALLY! Miku makes a clever run at the near post to send a flick into the back of the net. Bengaluru level on aggregate and ahead on away goals. NorthEast need a goal in the remaining 17 minutes to qualify. Do they have anything in the tank now? Meanwhile, this stadium is buzzing! NorthEast need to weather the storm first
Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
Another massive chance goes begging. Bengaluru are going to find it harder to recover from every missed opportunity. They are on top in this game and mus believe that eventually they will take a chance. NorthEast having the rub of the green so far
Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
Rahul Bheke goes into the referee’s book! The Indian defender plays tug-of-war with Panagiotis Triadis’ t-shirt, and the Greek midfielder goes down theatrically. Triadis takes the free-kick, but curls it wide of goal.
Panagiotis Triadis replaces Federico Gallego after an injury
53' BEN 0-0 NEU
— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) March 11, 2019
There's a lengthy stoppage after #Miku and #FedericoGallego collide.
Gallego comes off worse in the encounter, and an ambulance is driven onto the pitch to escort him off. It might be the end of his season#HeroISL #BENNEU
Live https://t.co/pafLZljwsw
Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
Keegan Pereira fluffs his clearance on a corner, with Xisco getting a touch on it and forcing Pawan Kumar into a save! The ball falls the way of Nishu Kumar from the ensuing corner, and he unleashes an absolute pile-driver from 40 yards. Despite the ball swaying, Pawan Kumar makes the save. He’s been a busy lad in the second half.
Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
46'! BEN 0-0 NEU
— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) March 11, 2019
And we're underway in the second half! #BengaluruFC have 45 minutes to score the one goal they need, but it's clear #NorthEast aren't going to make it easy for them. #HeroISL #BENNEU
Live https://t.co/pafLZljwsw
HT Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
Bengaluru won’t be too worried just yet. They have created plenty of chances and need just a goal to go through. NorthEast, barring few moments haven’t looked a threat.
Patience key for Bengaluru in the second half. NorthEast need to keep their heads as every passing minute without a goal in the second half will add pressure on Bengaluru
HT Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
It’s been a tetchy affair so far, with both teams going at it tooth and nail. Bengaluru have had the better chances and look more likely to score, but some truly atrocious finishing from Miku has ensured that the match heads into half-time without a goal.
Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
Juan Cruz Mascia gives Gurpreet a thunderous wake up call! The Uruguayan unleashes a ferocious shot from 25 yards out, but the height is just right for a flapping Gurpreet, who pushes it away.
Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
Well, Federico Gallego isn’t going to be sending Sunil Chhetri any Christmas cards for a while. The Uruguayan seems to have incurred the wrath of Chhetri, who has shoved him a couple of times now. Chhetri could be in the book before long if he continues to play like he’s at Wrestlemania.
Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
Miku has another terrible attempt at goal, after a jaw-droppingly beautiful run, where he skips past SIX NorthEast players, who stood by, transfixed and motionless. This is not going to look good on the highlight reel.
Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
Federico Gallego looks sharp tonight! The Uruguayan has been pulling strings whenever NorthEast United manage to get out of their own half.
Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
Bengaluru are able to use the wide spaces in the game quite well, something they struggled to in the last game. Good movement from the forward line. NorthEast are struggling to cope with it. Lucky to be still level on the night
Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
Well, Miku proved me wrong almost instantly. Just seconds after his earlier miss, he outdoes himself to miss a gaping goal from point-blank range. He’s forgotten his shooting boots at home tonight. Is it NorthEast United’s evening? Just as I type they have a set-piece to launch the ball in the Bengaluru box
Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
Oh my word! Nishu Kumar puts in a sumptuous cross, which finds the head of an unmarked Miku. Unfortunately, he’s unable to direct the ball goalward, and earns himself a nomination for ‘Miss of the season 2k19.’
Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
NorthEast out of their early shell and are causing few problems with their pace and sharp movements. This is not going to go all Bengaluru’s way today. So far the only shot on target in the game has gone the visitors’ way
Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
Sunil Chhetri gives away a foul after bundling into Redeem Tlang. The Bengaluru skipper proceeds to have a stern word with teammate Nishu Kumar, who failed to put any pressure on Tlang. Gallego puts in a ball with some lovely whip on it, but can only find Miku, who gets it to safety.
Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
Keegan Perreira is adjudged to have hacked down Xisco Hernandez on the edge of the box, but reviews show that it was just a bit of theatrics from Xisco. Bengaluru FC squander their fortunately awarded chance with a strange flick-lob combination that looked like something straight out of FIFA street.
Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
Juan Cruz Mascia gets a shot on target! Dimas Delgado is caught unawares in possession, and Federico Gallego finds himself with acres of space to run into. He puts Mascia through, who fires straight at Gurpreet from the tightest of angles.
Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
Bengaluru look like they really want the victory, pressing high and in droves. It could be a long, long night for NorthEast United, who seem content to grind out a result tonight.
Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
Half-chance for Bengaluru FC! Nishu Kumar slips in an excellent ball down the channels for Sunil Chhetri, who races onto it and fires in a cross. No one there to meet it though!
Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 NorthEast United FC (Aggregate 1-2)
Early shape:
NEUFC with a 4-5-1 without the ball. BFC looking to stretch the opponent with a 4-2-4 in possession. Let’s see how the teams settle into the match
Injury news!
Injury update!
— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) March 11, 2019
Robert Lalthlamuana seems to have injured himself in training and has to be removed from the starting XI. Former BFC player Keegan Perrera starts in his place!#BENNEU #ISL
Follow the latest updates on our LIVE blog: https://t.co/sAQRnMmeFO
TEAM NEWS!
Xisco, Berrera and Dimas all start for Bengaluru. Centre-back Serran drops to the bench. Rahul Bheke will shift to a centre-back role, with Harmanjyot Khabra moving to a right back role. Rest remains the same for Bengaluru with Xisco set to play in the No 10 position.
For NorthEast, Ogbeche has only made the bench, while Rowlin Borges is out altogether. Juan Mascia starts up front for the Highlanders while Lalrempuia Fanai comes in for Borges. Interesting to see how they shape up.
Bengaluru FC fans know how to set the mood!
It's deafening here at the Fortress where we're just 20 minutes from a cracker of a game. #BENNEU #WeAreBFC pic.twitter.com/m8zwXjFp4B
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) March 11, 2019
Nothing gets tougher than semi-final second legs, especially if the tie is perfectly balanced
NorthEast United enter the lion’s den at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium with a 2-1 lead over hosts Bengaluru FC, but that Xisco Hernandez away goal along with injuries to key NorthEast United personnel has the semi-final tie tantalizingly poised ahead of the second leg on Monday. Click here to read more of Kaushal Shukla’s preview of the match!
No Bartholomew Ogbeche in NorthEast United’s starting XI?
Here's how we line up for the BIG game! 🙌🏻 #BENNEU#8States1United #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/TKSVU3Hs8f
— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) March 11, 2019
Here’s how the hosts Bengaluru line up!
TEAM NEWS! @alberto_sp_3 drops to the bench as @xiscohm31 makes the Starting XI for Carles Cuadrat's men tonight. #BENNEU #Mattomme #WeAreBFC pic.twitter.com/P8iEkQ23Ea
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) March 11, 2019
Firstpost’s very own Kaushal Shukla gives us his take on the match from the Sree Kanteerava stadium
Hello and welcome to Firstpost’s coverage of the ISL play-offs!
Bengaluru FC take on NorthEast United at the Sree Kanteerava in a must-win fixture for Carles Cuadrat and co. NorthEast currently enjoy a slender lead, owing to their first leg 2-1 victory, with this match poised to be a real humdinger! Stay tuned as we count down to the match!
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