ISL 2018-19 Semi Final Match Highlights, Bengaluru FC vs NorthEast United: Late onslaught takes Bengaluru into final

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

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

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) March 11, 2019

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

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

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) March 11, 2019

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!

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

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) March 11, 2019

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!