NorthEast United Defeats Kerala Blasters 4-1 to Claim Top Spot in ISL

NorthEast United FC secured a resounding 4-1 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in an Indian Super League match at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, rising to the top of the league table with their second consecutive win of the season.

Both teams had entered the Gameweek 2 fixture carrying momentum after winning their opening matches. NorthEast United previously edged Mohun Bagan Super Giant 1-0 through a late stoppage-time winner by Jithin MS, while Kerala Blasters opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Inter Kashi thanks to goals from Vibin Mohanan and Andre Green.

The match in Guwahati quickly swung in favor of the hosts when Alaaeddine Ajaraie opened the scoring in the 15th minute. Capitalizing on a precise pass from Eneko Satrustegui, Ajaraie rounded Kerala goalkeeper Arsh Anwer to finish calmly. Antonio Moyano further extended the lead during stoppage time of the first half, finding space to score after an initial shot by Ajaraie was blocked.

Kerala Blasters attempted a comeback in the second half when Yansane reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the 60th minute, finishing a low drive following a flick-on from Adrian Luna. Despite making tactical substitutions at halftime—bringing on Korou and Sandeep Singh—Kerala failed to alter the outcome as the NorthEast defense and goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh maintained their composure.

NorthEast United extinguished any hopes of a comeback late in the game. Ajaraie secured his second goal of the night in the 70th minute by curling a shot from the edge of the box after a defensive clearance error. Debutant Aman CK then capped off the scoring in the 82nd minute by converting a pass from Macarton to seal the 4-1 victory.

Ahead of the match, head coach Juan Pedro Benali had warned his squad against complacency, describing the tactical contest with Kerala head coach Ashley Westwood as a game of chess. Following the victory, the Highlanders' disciplined approach and attacking pressure proved decisive over a Kerala side that coach Westwood admitted is still working on defensive organization and coordination.

With the win, NorthEast United claimed the top position in the league standings early in the campaign. Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters will look to regroup ahead of their upcoming fixture against Mumbai City FC as the Indian Super League season continues.