Blues get second shot at glory

Bengaluru, March 11

Bengaluru FC sealed their place in the final of the Indian Super League for the second successive year with a 

3-0 win against NorthEast United FC in the second leg of their semifinal here today.

The Blues, who were dominant throughout the game, were made to work hard by a resilient NorthEast United who were finally outdone by a 72nd-minute goal from Miku. Late strikes from Dimas Delgado (87th minute) and Sunil Chhetri (92nd) followed as Bengaluru overturned the 2-1 defeat in the first leg. 

Despite dominating possession, Bengaluru’s first real chance came in the 23rd minute. Nishu Kumar delivered a delightful cross from the left flank but Miku headed the ball wide from close range. Miku missed another great chance two minutes later. Udanta Singh was released down the right flank and the winger’s cut-back was sent over the bar from around the penalty spot by the Venezuelan striker.

Miku nearly made amends for his misses with a terrific solo run but sent a weak effort straight to Pawan Kumar. Just as Bengaluru started to look desperate for a goal, Miku provided the breakthrough. He sneaked in front of his marker to deflect Udanta’s low cross from the right into the far corner.

NorthEast sought an equaliser and were caught out on the break by Udanta. He charged into space from his own half and attempted a chip that ricocheted off the post and into the path of Delgado, who slotted the ball home. A desperate NorthEast were punished again in added time. Chhetri played a one-two with Udanta and dribbled into the box. Chhetri rounded Pawan before calmly making it 3-0. — PTI