NorthEast United FC Dominates Chennaiyin FC with 4-1 Victory in ISL
NorthEast United FC Secures Convincing Win
In a thrilling encounter at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, NorthEast United FC triumphed over Chennaiyin FC with a score of 4-1 during the Indian Super League 2025-26 on Sunday. Jairo Samperio was the standout player, netting two goals in the first half, while an own goal and a late effort from Lalbiakdika ensured a resounding victory for the Highlanders.
Samperio, who marked his debut goal in the Indian Super League with a brace, was honored as the Player of the Match, as reported by AIFF Media. This win propelled NorthEast United FC to ninth place in the league standings, accumulating 13 points from 12 matches, while Chennaiyin FC lingered in 13th place with just nine points from the same number of games, teetering above the relegation zone.
First-Half Dominance by Jairo Samperio
The match kicked off energetically, with NorthEast quickly earning a series of corners before Chennaiyin attempted to counterattack. However, it was the home team that drew first blood in the fifth minute through a well-executed play. Goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh initiated the move with a precise pass, leading to Jithin MS delivering a perfect cross for Jairo Samperio, who finished calmly to give the Highlanders a 1-0 lead.
NorthEast continued to apply pressure, with Tondonba Singh and Thoi Singh Huidrom both taking shots from distance. Although Chennaiyin began to find their rhythm, controlling significant portions of the midfield, they struggled to create clear chances, leaving Gurmeet Singh largely unchallenged. In contrast, NorthEast appeared more dangerous, with Jairo and Andy Rodriguez forcing saves from Chennaiyin's goalkeeper, Mohammad Nawaz. Daniel Chima Chukwu came close for Chennaiyin but was thwarted by Gurmeet.
Just before halftime, NorthEast doubled their advantage. A defensive error by Mandar Rao Dessai allowed Jairo to seize the opportunity, collecting the loose ball and finishing expertly into the far corner, making it 2-0 at the break.
Chennaiyin's Second-Half Struggles
The Marina Machans returned for the second half with renewed vigor, as Lalrinliana Hnamte and Farukh Choudhary displayed urgency in midfield. They created several chances around the hour mark, but Gurmeet's goalkeeping proved crucial, as he made key saves against both Daniel Chima and Irfan Yadwad.
As the match progressed, NorthEast took advantage again in the 70th minute. A slick combination involving Macarton Nickson and Jithin MS led to a dangerous cutback, and in an attempt to intercept, Chennaiyin defender Laldinliana R inadvertently scored an own goal, extending the lead to 3-0.
Chennaiyin managed to score in the 81st minute when Laldinliana redeemed himself with a well-placed finish following a clever build-up involving Alberto Noguera. However, their hopes for a comeback were quickly dashed.
NorthEast sealed the match in the 90th minute when substitute Lalbiakdika took advantage of a goalkeeping blunder, as Nawaz failed to handle a powerful shot at the near post, allowing the ball to roll into the net.
In a match where every goal scorer marked their first goal in the Indian Super League, NorthEast United FC showcased a clinical performance to secure three points, while Chennaiyin FC was left to ponder missed chances and defensive errors.