(Football news) Bengaluru FC’s hopes for being in the top four of the Indian Super League table were dealt a blow after losing to NorthEast United 2-1 at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda on Friday. After a goalless first half, Bengaluru FC took the lead through Cleiton Silva in the 66th minute but two goals in six minutes from Deshorn Brown (74th) and Laldanmawia Ralte (80th) secured a win for Khalid Jamil’s side. The result means NorthEast United have 13 points from 18 matches while Bengaluru FC are on 23 points from 17 matches.

NorthEast United had their first real opportunity through Imran Khan who headed Joe Zoherliana’s cross off-target. Deshorn Brown also hit the crossbar after Suhair Vadakkepeedika set him up as Bengaluru FC were kept on the backfoot. The Blues tried to get back in the game as Sunil Chhetri made runs on the left flank, trying to combine play with Cleiton Silva but NorthEast United continued to have better opportunities as Hernan Santana forced Lara Sharma to make an important save just before the cooling break.

Although Bengaluru FC looked comparatively the better side heading into half-time, they lacked the killer instinct in the final third while NorthEast United had better opportunities but failed to capitalise on them. Sharma was forced to make an early save in the second half to keep Suhair's effort at bay while Chhetri played a neat one-two with Udanta Singh but his effort was saved by Mirshad Michu who narrowed his angle and used the right leg to deflect the ball. The Blues finally found a breakthrough when Cleiton Silva scored from close range from Danish Farooq’s cross in the 66th minute.

However, NorthEast United reacted just a few minutes later as Deshorn Brown scored an equaliser in the 74th minute after nodding the ball past Sharma. To make matters worse,  Marcelinho escaped a few Bengaluru FC t-shirts six minutes later and provided the assist to Laldanmawia Ralte in the 80th minute who tapped the ball into the back of the net. Bengaluru FC will face Odisha FC in their next match on Monday, 21st February at the GMC Athletic Stadium while NorthEast United FC will take on Jamshedpur FC on Friday, 25th February at the Fatorda Stadium.

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