Vinith Venkatesh Breaks NorthEast United Hearts With Last-Gasp Equaliser

Bengaluru FC produced a dramatic late comeback to secure a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC in their encounter at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday, October 30. Substitute Vinith Venkatesh emerged as the hero for the visitors, finding the net in the 93rd minute to deny the Highlanders all three points.

NorthEast United looked set to claim victory after Jithin MS handed them the lead in the 15th minute. However, Bengaluru FC refused to give up and found their breakthrough deep into stoppage time, with Vinith calmly converting a pass from Sunil Chhetri to salvage a valuable point for the Blues.

The visitors began the contest on the front foot, creating early opportunities through Ashique Kuruniyan and Ricky Meetei. Ashique failed to hit the target after receiving a pass from Borja Martínez, while Meetei sent his effort over the crossbar following a delivery from Ryan Williams.

NorthEast United gradually found their rhythm and threatened through Alaaeddine Ajaraie, whose long-range attempt was comfortably dealt with by Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

The hosts eventually made their attacking pressure count in the 15th minute. During a swift counter-attacking move, González picked out Jithin MS, who made no mistake with a composed left-footed finish into the bottom-left corner to give NorthEast United a 1-0 advantage.

Bengaluru FC immediately searched for a response, but NorthEast goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh stood firm. He produced important saves to deny Soham Varshneya and Borja, while Ashique Kuruniyan missed a promising opportunity with a close-range header.

At the opposite end, Ajaraie and Jithin continued to trouble the Bengaluru defence, but neither could find the target as the Highlanders went into the break with their slender lead intact.

The intensity remained high after the restart, with both goalkeepers playing important roles. Gurmeet denied Borja from close range, while Gurpreet Singh Sandhu kept Bengaluru in the contest by making two saves against Ethyan.

The Blues also suffered an injury setback when Shivaldo Singh was forced to leave the field, with Sandro Embalo replacing him. Bengaluru continued to search for an equaliser, but attempts from Ryan Williams and Varshneya failed to produce the desired result.

NorthEast United were also forced into changes, with Parthib Gogoi replacing the goalscorer Jithin MS and Redeem Tlang coming on for Macarton Nickson. Despite the interruptions, the Highlanders continued to threaten through Ethyan and Abdul Rabeeh, but Bengaluru's defence managed to keep them at bay.

With time running out, Bengaluru head coach turned to experienced campaigner Sunil Chhetri and Suresh Wangjam in an attempt to change the outcome. Chhetri missed an opportunity from inside the box after Borja delivered a cross, while Manuel Iriondo headed wide from a corner.

NorthEast United looked increasingly focused on protecting their advantage as the match approached its closing stages. Ajaraie also had an opportunity to put the game beyond Bengaluru, but his free-kick sailed over the crossbar.

The Highlanders appeared to be heading towards a hard-fought victory when the fourth official indicated five minutes of added time. However, Bengaluru had one final twist in store.

Vinith Venkatesh initially missed an opportunity after being set up by Monirul Molla, but the substitute made amends just moments later. Deep into stoppage time, a collision involving Gurmeet Singh and Eneko Satrustegui resulted in the goalkeeper spilling the ball.

Sunil Chhetri reacted quickly, collected possession and delivered a perfectly timed pass into the box for Vinith. The midfielder made no mistake this time, slotting the ball into the bottom-left corner in the 93rd minute to spark celebrations in the Bengaluru camp.

The dramatic equaliser ensured that Bengaluru FC walked away with a point from Guwahati, while NorthEast United were left disappointed after conceding so late in the contest.