Juan Benali analyzes NorthEast United FC’s home defeat to Bengaluru FC
NorthEast United FC's bid to finish strong suffered a setback with a 2-0 loss to Bengaluru FC.
NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali expressed his disappointment but commended the team's fighting spirit following their 2-0 defeat to Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Friday.
The visitors took an early lead in the third minute through Ryan Williams. The Highlanders pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Bengaluru FC's defence and goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte stood firm. The Blues doubled their advantage late in the second half through Alberto Noguera to secure all three points.
Match Report: NorthEast United FC 0-2 Bengaluru FC
Reflecting on the game, Benali acknowledged his team’s efforts, stating that they created several chances but were unfortunate not to convert them into goals.
“We played very well, but the ball didn't want to go in. They had one chance in the first half, and they scored, and in the second half, they scored the second goal. Well, this is it,” he said during the post-match press conference.
He emphasized that, despite the loss and the unpredictable pitch conditions, the team fought hard and deserved a better outcome.
FULL-TIME! NEUFC 0-2 BFC!
— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) February 21, 2025
We will bounce back from this one!#StrongerAsOne #8States1United #NEUBFC pic.twitter.com/fzq1Ae2O8K
The coach said, "This time, the pitch was very fast. It rained a little bit. The grass was high and fast, the ball was bouncing, and it went quick—very difficult to play.”
“We're not used to that, to playing like this. But we controlled the game. We controlled the tempo of the game. We had many chances around the area. But, well, when it doesn't want to go in, it doesn't want to go in,” he added.
With this defeat, the Highlanders slipped to fifth place, just three points ahead of seventh-placed Odisha FC, who have a game in hand.
Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of introspection and improvement while preparing for the upcoming clash against Chennaiyin FC.
“I will start thinking about the next match from tomorrow, as we still have a lot of time. But we just finished the game. You know, we are a wounded animal, a hurt animal. We are bleeding. We need to calm the bleeding. We need to stop the bleeding and start thinking about the Chennaiyin FC game.”
“At this moment, we are very hurt. We don't deserve to lose this game at all. We need to go home and think a little bit before starting to prepare for the next game,” the coach said as the press conference concluded.
