The host failed to create enough chances to score and was outplayed by the visitor who couldn’t find a breakthrough until the 82nd minute. A moment of individual brilliance from Gallego and a clinical strike by Ogbeche helped NorthEast United climb to the top of the table with 11 points, although it has played a match more than FC Goa (10 points).

This was NorthEast’s third victory on the road and the best start it has had to any of its campaigns.

NorthEast United spurned a golden chance to take an early lead five minutes into the match. A pacy surge forward by the host was led by Ogbeche who played a one-two with Redeem Tlang before unleashing a dipping effort from the edge of the box. The goalkeeper stood no chance of keeping it out but luckily for him, the effort hit the crossbar.

The visitor was attacking in numbers with Tlang’s exploits on the right flank pinning both Nandhakumar Sekar and Narayan Das into their own half.

Lallianzuala Chhangte’s pace was put to the test when an overhit backpass placed Robert Lalthlamuana in a spot of bother in the visitor’s half. The defender managed to get to the ball before the Mizo-born winger and averted a defensive catastrophe against the run of play.

Delhi could have shocked the visitor with a lead when Pritam Kotal rose highest to get a corner-kick delivery but the ball sailed over the bar.

NorthEast United had a couple more chances before the break. Rowllin Borges received Tlang’s cross into the box, controlled it with a delightful touch and released a shot that was blocked by Rana Gharami. The resulting corner-kick was aimed for Juan Mascia in the centre who flicked it to the near post where Mateo Grgic’s header destined for the net was brilliantly kept out by Dorronsoro.

Gombau responded to the visitor’s onslaught by adding Vinit Rai into Delhi’s midfield as the host was struggling to keep the ball.

NorthEast’s first chance after the break saw Gallego’s powerful shot take a deflection off a sliding Gianni Zuiverloon and went straight into the hands of goalkeeper Francisco Dorronsoro.

At the other end, Zuiverloon stood over a free-kick outside the box on the left and swung it towards the far post for Andrija Kaludjerovic who couldn’t keep his shot on target, much to the dismay of the large crowd in the stands.