NorthEast United FC climb to 7th spot with a late win against Kerala Blasters FC

NorthEast United FC handed Kerala Blasters FC a 2-0 defeat at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium to cap off Saturday's double-header of Matchweek 21 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24.

As a result of this win, the Highlanders have increased the competition for the sixth playoff spot, as they have jumped to the seventh place with 23 points to their name from 20 matches.

Chennaiyin FC beat them to the sixth place with 24 points from as many games, whereas Bengaluru FC and East Bengal FC breathed down their neck with 22 and 21 points to their name respectively.

As for the Kerala Blasters FC, their woes have only worsened with this loss. They have qualified for the playoffs as a result of a formidable first half of the campaign. However, four defeats in their last five matches certainly don’t hold them in good stead before the next round of the tournament begins.

For a large chunk of the game though, it appeared that the two teams would settle for a point each. The deadlock just wouldn’t look as it would break, but it took two of NorthEast United FC’s in-form attackers in Nestor Albiach and Jithin MS to net once each in the last 10-odd minutes of the game to secure three points for their team.

Nestor’s goal in the 84th minute came as a result of the Highlanders adopting a direct approach under the watch of central defender Michel Zabaco. The Spaniard took matters in his own hands and delivered a sharp long ball from the backline that Nestor brought down near the box and glided ahead before hammering it home to open the scoring. Kerala Blasters FC, keen to regain momentum, began searching for the equaliser with greater vigour, exposing spaces in their own defence. For the Highlanders, this came as a chance to double their lead and bag the all-important win, which was extremely critical for their playoffs prospects.

Jithin bagged the game lock, stock, and barrel for them, converting a fairly straightforward assist by Phalguni Singh from an extremely close range into the bottom left corner through a deft touch from his right foot in the added time of the second half.

Kerala Blasters FC had many chances coming their way, attempting 13 shots, driven primarily by the trio of Daisuke Sakai, Danish Farooq, and Ishan Pandita. However, a lack of neatness and efficiency upfront acted against them in this engaging encounter.

Kerala Blasters FC will next play Hyderabad FC on April 12, whereas NorthEast United FC will lock horns with Chennaiyin FC on April 9.