A fantastic, entertaining game at the Tilak Maidan as Hyderabad FC came out victorious with that second-half brace from Liston Colaco. He came on in the 64th minute and made all the difference in the end as he struck a double to give Hyderabad the 4-2 win against NorthEast United FC.

Hyderabad came roaring off the blocks, with the early goal a highlight of a strong start. A lovely run from Chianese, sidestepping three defenders, set up a poacher’s finish from Santana to make it six for the season for the Spaniard. NEUFC were a constant threat moving forward, though, with Idrissa Sylla missing from five yards with a free header. VP Suhair then saw a belter of a long-range attempt cannon off the post and bounce out of danger.

However, HFC’s joy was short-lived as NEUFC scored twice in as many minutes in the dying embers of the first half. Ashutosh Mehta won a penalty which was duly converted by captain Federico Gallego before Benjamin Lambot scored the equaliser. The second goal was a scrappy one, with as many as five NEUFC players, unchallenged, trying to knock the ball over the line before Lambot succeeded. Surprisingly, not one HFC defender showed any intent to clear the ball.

Luis Machado could have put NEUFC ahead within 30 seconds of the restart but the Portuguese blazed Mehta’s cross over the woodwork.

Nus’ men were left to rue their missed chances as Colaco came off the bench in the 64th minute to win the tie. The 22-year-old’s first goal came in the 85th minute when he went on a sprightly run, taking on three defenders, before unleashing a curling left-footer.

The Goan bagged his second goal in stoppage time to round off a thumping victory for his side.

Interestingly, all four of Liston’s goals in the ISL have come against NEUFC. He also has the distinction of creating the most goal contributions as a substitute in ISL 2020-21 – four.

Third place Hyderabad now has a bit of a break and will face table-toppers Mumbai on the 16th. NorthEast, stagnant in seventh, now face Bengaluru FC on the 12th.