It’s Bengaluru FC that stands between NorthEast United FC and the dream final.
A 10-men NorthEast United played a goalless draw against the formidable Kerala Blasters FC in the Hero ISL match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Friday.
Having already secured a spot in the playoff, NorthEast confirmed the fourth place in the standings with 29 points from 18 games and will now face Bengaluru FC in the semi-final.
The battle was hard fought as both teams looked to end the deadlock.
The Highlanders already qualified for the playoff securing fourth place in the table.
NorthEast coach Eelco Schattorie was forced to field a beleaguered side and to add injury to his worries, centre-back Gurwinder Singh was sent off in the 23rd minute.
After today’s match NEUFC collected 29 points while Kerala managed to stand in ninth position with 15 points.
It was the last match for both the teams in the league phase.
Now an upbeat NorthEast United FC face Bengaluru FC in the semi-final on March 7 next.
FC Goa will face Mumbai City FC in the other semi-final.
The NorthEast United FC have played the Bengaluru team twice and are well acquainted with the tactics and strategies of the Bengaluru FC.
A win for the Highlanders will take them to the dream final of the Hero ISL premier soccer tournament of the country.