NorthEast United Dealt Crushing 4-0 Blow to East Bengal, Earn Home Playoff Match
In the final match of their Indian Super League (ISL) group stage, NorthEast United finally found their formidable form, demolishing a second-string East Bengal side 4-0 at the legendary JN Stadium. The Highlanders’ relentless pressure and clinical finishing ensured that they ended their season on a high, securing a well-deserved win and a shot at the playoffs.
Star striker Allaedddine Ajaraie, who had been in scintillating form this season, grabbed a brace (66′, 79′) to add to his impressive tally, thus becoming the fourth player in ISL history to score against all teams in a single season. His 23rd goal of the season took his account to an all-time high. Nestor Albiach (59′) opened the scoring with a well-taken goal, while Mohammed Bemammer (86′) added the fourth goal in the dying minutes of the game, sealing the win for NorthEast United.
The Highlanders’ impressive performance saw them secure third spot in the table with 38 points from 24 matches, keeping their playoff hopes alive. They now await the results of Jamshedpur FC’s game against Chennaiyin FC on Sunday, hoping to secure a home playoff match. East Bengal, meanwhile, ended their season in ninth spot with 28 points, making 10 changes to their starting lineup under assistant coach Bino George in the absence of head coach Oscar Brezon. The Tigers’ struggles were evident as they returned to the field with a disjointed and exhausted performance.
The first half saw both teams create chances, but it was the goalkeepers who stole the show. NorthEast United’s goalkeeper Michu, playing his first match of the season, was inspired, making a string of crucial saves, including a brilliant reflex stop to deny Vishnu NV in the 32nd minute. East Bengal’s keeper Debjit Majumder was also equal to the task, keeping out Albiach’s header from close range. The match remained goalless at halftime, setting the stage for an exciting second half.
The Highlanders’ persistence finally paid off when Tondonba Singh provided Albiach with the assist for the opening goal in the 59th minute. The Moroccans’ dominance told the tale as they continued to create countless chances, with Ajaraie’s poaching prowess on display as he doubled their lead in the 66th minute. The 13th-minute penalty, converted by Ajaraie, sealed the fate of the match. East Bengal’s misery was compounded further when Tanmay Das was sent off for a second yellow card, followed by Bemammer’s late fourth goal, leaving the visitors with a final blow to their disappointing season. With this win, NorthEast United have set themselves up for a thrilling playoff campaign, while East Bengal will look to bounce back in the coming season.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/neufc-rout-eb-to-go-third-on-the-table/articleshow/118819175.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-03-09 17:02:00
