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NorthEast United FC played host to Bengaluru FC in their first ever semi-final appearance in the Indian Super League at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium Guwahati.
It was a historic game for the team from Guwahati as they made their maiden ISL playoffs.
Both, the teams came into the game without being in their best run of form as both the sides managed only two wins since Christmas.
The game promised to be an exciting encounter as on the previous two occasions when both the sides met during the league stages they produced two mouth-watering clashes.
The match started on a bright note for Northeast United as they as they took control of the game from the beginning.
Bengaluru FC looked out of place during the initial few minutes. Redeem Tlang gave NorthEast United the lead in the 20th minute by scoring a world-class goal.
NorthEast went into the half time break leading Bengaluru FC 1-0.
Bengaluru came back stronger in the second half and played a much better brand of football. They finally equalised in the 82nd minute through Francisco Hernandez.
Northeast wrapped up the game in added time through a Juan Mascia penalty to give Northeast a slender advantage in the semifinals against Bengaluru FC.
The scoreboard at fulltime read 2-1 in favour of the Highlanders.
On that note let us take a look at five talking points from today's game
#5 Bengaluru FC's lacklustre display after the international break continues
Some teams were bound to be affected by AFC Asian Cup break, and it seems like Bengaluru FC have suffered the most from the break.
After the break, they haven't been able to regroup and get their act together. They have managed to win to only two games after the break.
One reason could be the fact that Sunil Chhetri, Udanta and Gurpreet have all had a recent dip in form after the Asian Cup.
Losing Eric Paartalu to an injury has also affected BFC's performance in the last few matches.
Bengaluru FC was poor in the first half especially and was completely overrun in midfield.
There seemed to be a complete lack of cohesion in the side, and Carles Cuadrat will hope that his boys can get their act together on Monday.
#4 All to play for Bengaluru FC in the second leg
The BFC faithful will not be too disheartened by the scoreline today as their team have managed to sneak in a crucial away goal and trail by just one goal.
A nice compact 1-0 victory should do the job for Chhetri and company, but it is never as easy as it sounds. NorthEast United FC have been one of the best defensive units this season even with all the injuries and suspensions haunting them.
BFC's defence through this season hasn't been as tight as they would have liked to be.
They have conceded the most number of goals among all the top four teams, and that is one aspect that could peg them back in the second leg.
The Highlanders have a slender advantage, but Bengaluru FC has the personnel and quality to overcome the threat NorthEast United FC possess when they face their rivals at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
#3 Tragic End to a Terrific season for Ogbeche and Rowllin Borges
The man for NorthEast United FC this season has been their talismanic Nigerian striker Bartholomew Ogbeche.
Having scored 12 goals this season, he is one of the highest goal scorers in the league. He is also the most significant reason as to why NorthEast United FC have made it this far in the tournament.
With the season already ongoing he has become NorthEast United's all-time leading goal scorer in their history. Apart from his scoring ability, The Highlanders relied heavily on Ogbeche for his leadership qualities.
Ogbeche had to be substituted in the first half due to a hamstring injury, and it looks like the NEUFC skipper will be out for at least two weeks. Rowllin was also substituted at half time due to an injury.
Playing their most crucial game of the season without Ogbeche and Rowllin would be a daunting task for NorthEast United FC. It is also a tragic end of sorts for Ogbeche and Rowllin who seemed determined to lead the Highlanders to glory this season.
Rowllin Borges too has been having the season of his life scoring three goals and getting two assists but it looks like the Goa-born midfielder's season has come to an early end due to an injury.
#2 Redeem Tlang repays Eelco trust at the biggest stage of the league
Redeem Tlang has been one of the regulars in this NorthEast United side despite not having a goal or an assist before this game.
He did his duties, but that final pass or goal was also missing for the former Lajong winger.
In the first leg though, Redeem scored an absolute stunner to give NorthEast United the lead in the 20th minute. It was a goal that was worthy of winning any team the championship.
Cutting in from the right, Redeem unleashed a perfect curler with his weaker left foot. Gurpreet, the Bengaluru goalkeeper, had no chance to stop that effort from going in.
After Ogbeche got injured and Rowllin was subbed off, Redeem played a very crucial role in midfield.
He showed it today through his performance why Eelco has been so persistent with his choice of playing Redeem throughout the season.
Another aspect of Redeem's game which has been very useful is his contribution to the side off the ball.
#1 Juan Cruz Mascia: The Injury time man
Need a goal in injury time? Juan Cruz Mascia is the man to call. The Uruguayan striker has three goals this season, and all three have come at the dying moments of the game.
The trend started off in the home game of NorthEast United FC against Kerala Blasters FC where Mascia won a penalty and scored another through a volley to give the Highlanders an unbelievable comeback victory.
His second goal came away to FC Pune City again during the dying embers of the game.
Today though was the best of the lot.
First Mascia was the player who won the penalty, and then he managed to keep a calm, cool head to score with the last kick of the game to give NorthEast United a much-deserved victory against Bengaluru FC.
He will also be remembered as the player whose goal got NorthEast United FC their first victory over Bengaluru FC.
Mascia has always played second fiddle to Ogbeche this season, but he will be looking to take a more active role in the most crucial phase of the tournament as the skipper is out injured.
Defenders have a lot of problems dealing with his physical presence and speed. His understanding with Gallego, who happens to be from the same country as Mascia, is also something that can be of great help for NorthEast United FC in the return leg of the semi-final.
