NorthEast look to defy odds against Bengaluru FC in first ISL semi-final

NorthEast United FC will look to make it count when they take on table-toppers Bengaluru FC in their maiden semifinal of the Indian Super League here Thursday.

For five years, NorthEast struggled to break into the top four. They came close twice, and now that they have finally joined the elite teams, Eelco Schattorie's men would look to grab the opportunity with both hands at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here.

Bengaluru FC have been the outstanding team for the second successive year. Despite an indifferent second half, Bengaluru still topped the league table.

NorthEast United managed to grab the fourth spot, so do they have it in them to topple the favourites?

"They're (Bengaluru FC) a fantastic club. I think that they are the best club in India. That means we will be facing good players," said Schattorie.

"We played them twice and both times we played really well. They got away here in the last minute of extra time. In their home, we should have won."

NorthEast were indeed the