Bengaluru FC will return to the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Sunday, February 22, aiming to build on their winning start to the Indian Super League 2025–26 season when they take on NorthEast United FC in a crucial early fixture.
With kick-off scheduled for 5 PM IST, the Blues will be eager to maintain momentum and make the most of home advantage in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested sprint-format campaign. Simon Grayson’s side opened their season with a composed 2–0 victory over Sporting Club Delhi, showcasing both defensive discipline and attacking efficiency.
Goals from Sivasakthi Narayanan and veteran forward Sunil Chhetri ensured that Bengaluru FC began their campaign on the right note, while the clean sheet reflected a solid defensive structure that will be key as the league progresses.
In a season comprising just 13 matches, the margin for error is minimal. Every point gained or dropped can have significant implications on the standings, making early consistency a priority for teams with playoff ambitions. Bengaluru FC, therefore, will be keen to capitalise on their current form and avoid any slip-ups at home.
NorthEast United FC, meanwhile, arrive in Bengaluru looking to recover from a difficult start to their season following a defeat to East Bengal FC in their opening fixture. The Highlanders will also be attempting to overcome a long-standing challenge — they have not secured an away victory against Bengaluru FC since 2018. Despite this statistic, recent meetings between the two sides suggest that Sunday’s clash could be closely fought.
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The last time NorthEast United visited the Kanteerava, they managed to hold Bengaluru FC to a 2–2 draw, demonstrating their ability to compete even in challenging conditions. This serves as a reminder that the visitors possess the attacking capability to trouble the hosts if given space and opportunities.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Bengaluru FC head coach Simon Grayson emphasised the importance of collective execution on both sides of the ball. He noted that while possession remains a key aspect of modern football, success ultimately depends on how effectively a team transitions between attack and defence.
“Every team wants to keep the ball, but how we attack and defend together is what matters. I demand this from the players; we need to put our best foot forward tomorrow and I’m sure our chances will come,” Grayson said.
Central to Bengaluru’s defensive plans will be the partnership between Rahul Bheke and Chinglensana Singh, who were instrumental in maintaining stability at the back in the opening game. Their ability to read the game and neutralise attacking threats will be vital against a NorthEast side expected to approach the match with renewed urgency.
Chinglensana Singh echoed the need for focus and a step-by-step approach as the season unfolds. “Given how the season has been, as a club and as an individual, we’ll go game by game; we need to approach every match with a winning mentality, and hopefully, it’ll be good,” he said.
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The Blues head into the fixture without any reported injury concerns, providing the coaching staff with a full complement of players to choose from. Increased competition for starting positions within the squad has also raised the overall intensity in training, a factor that could translate into sharper performances on the pitch.
For NorthEast United, the objective will be to tighten defensive organisation while seeking opportunities to exploit transitions, particularly against a Bengaluru side that prefers structured build-up play. The Highlanders’ attacking unit will likely look to apply pressure early and disrupt the hosts’ rhythm.
With both teams seeking to establish early-season momentum, Sunday’s encounter at the Kanteerava promises to be a high-intensity contest. Bengaluru FC will aim to defend their home turf and continue their positive start, while NorthEast United FC will be determined to secure their first points of the campaign and turn the tide in this fixture.
