NorthEast United FC secured a playoff berth in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday. Alaaeddine Ajaraie starred for the Highlanders, scoring once and providing two assists, as NEUFC reached the knockouts for the first time in four seasons. Suspended head coach, Juan Pedro Benali, watched from the stands.
NorthEast United, having lost to Chennaiyin at the same venue last year in a defeat that eliminated them from playoff contention, displayed a clear determination to secure victory. They created an early chance within the first 40 seconds, with Jithin MS setting up Nestor Albiach, who failed to hit the target.
Albiach made amends in the seventh minute, opening the scoring with a powerful strike from outside the box. Ajaraie initiated the move, drawing Pritam Kotal towards him before flicking the ball to the Spaniard.
Chennaiyin responded with two quick opportunities. Wilmar Jordan Gil and Conor Shields combined, with Shields’ shot saved by NEUFC goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh. Seconds later, Jiteshwor Singh set up Jordan Gil, whose curling effort was again saved by Gurmeet.
NorthEast United doubled their lead in the 26th minute through a swift counter-attack. Mohammed Ali Bemmamer, returning from suspension, combined with Jithin and Ajaraie, with the latter setting up Jithin to score.
Ajaraie almost scored again in the 34th minute, hitting the woodwork after a solo run. However, he found the net four minutes later. Jithin returned the earlier assist, crossing for Ajaraie, whose initial right-footed shot was blocked by Ryan Edwards, but the Moroccan scored on the rebound with his left. He became highest ever goal scorer in a single season.
Chennaiyin made three substitutions at halftime, introducing P. C. Laldinpuia, Jitendra Singh, and Lukas Brambilla for Kotal, Elsinho, and Vincy Barretto. While the changes provided some impetus, NorthEast United’s 3-0 lead, established within the first 40 minutes, proved insurmountable.
Chennaiyin thought they had scored in the 78th minute when Jordan Gil found the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Their situation worsened two minutes later when Edwards was sent off for a foul on Ajaraie.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, NorthEast United maintained a defensive approach in the closing stages, securing their first-ever clean sheet against Chennaiyin FC at their home ground.
The victory takes NorthEast United to 35 points from 23 matches. They will conclude their league phase against East Bengal on March 8th. Chennaiyin FC, eliminated from playoff contention with 24 points from 23 games, will host Jamshedpur FC in their final fixture of the ISL season.
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