ISL 2018-19, Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United: 5 Talking Points - Calamitous return to Kerala for Gurwinder Singh and more 

#5 The draw might just prove to be the ideal result for Eelco Schattorie

Schattorie has done a tremendous job at North East United (Photo: ISL)

There is no undermining the professionalism and hard work of Eelco Schattorie at North East United. The Highlanders have already scripted history by reaching the playoffs for the first time in their history under the tutelage of the Dutch tactician.

And they are now within touching distance of making it to the finals of the fifth edition of the Indian Super League, should they see off the challenge from table-toppers Bengaluru FC over two legs.

In many ways, Schattorie and his men could be buoyant by the fact that they will be locking horns with Bengaluru FC, especially considering how the fixtures between both sides earlier this season worked out.

The Highlanders might have failed to beat the table-toppers, but they were only denied by the heroics of Chencho Gyeltshen. North East conceded a late equaliser from the Bhutanese winger during the first meeting in Guwahati, while the same man scored the winner when the two sides met in Bengaluru last month.

However, Gyeltshen has since then moved to NEROCA FC in the I-League on a loan deal until the end of the season and with Bengaluru FC managing just a single win in their last five outings in the league, there is undoubtedly a window of opportunity for Schattorie's men.

Football is a game of fine margins and with the competition entering it's climax, the draw in Kochi that set-up the meeting with Bengaluru FC might eventually be looked back on as a blessing in disguise, if North East United can go all the way!

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