BANGALORE (India): Reigning champions Bengaluru FC began their Indian Super League campaign with a goalless draw against NorthEast United on Monday.
Carles Cuadrat’s did all the right things in the final third, but failed to find the net.
With injuries to Albert Serran and Erik Paartalu, Cuadrat gave Ashique Kuruniyan his debut as a left wing-back.
India international Rahul Bheke and Juanan Gonzalez were in the centre while Nishu Kumar manned the right-back position.
Onwu, Augusto make debut
There were two more debutants in Manu Onwu and Raphael Augusto, as Sunil Chhetri and Udanta were in the attack.
Bengaluru stamped their authority in the first half, but couldn’t convert the chances they created.
Once Kuruniyan came close to scoring, however, he shot wide.
But it was Udanta who was guilty of squandering Bengaluru’s best chance. Put through by Augusto, the former had the time and the space to beat Subhasish Roy Chowdhury, but was woefully off target.
NorthEast not strong enough to beat Bengaluru
NorthEast United, using Asamoah Gyan as the lone target man, didn’t give the Bengaluru defence any reason to panic.
The Blues did have a momentary lapse of concentration that nearly gifted the Highlanders what would have been an undeserved lead.
Bengaluru face last years’ finalists FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium on October 28.
