NorthEast United Thrash Kerala Blasters 4-1 to Top ISL Table

NorthEast United FC registered an emphatic 4-1 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Sunday, climbing to the top of the league table with their second consecutive win.

Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored twice, while Antonio Moyano and debutant Aman CK added a goal each to seal a convincing victory for Juan Pedro Benali’s side. Yansane scored the lone goal for Kerala Blasters.

NorthEast United broke the deadlock in the 15th minute when Eneko Satrustegui delivered a precise through pass to Ajaraie. The forward rounded Kerala goalkeeper Arsh Anwer before calmly slotting the ball into the net. The hosts continued to press, but Arsh denied Jithin with a crucial save to keep his team in the contest.

Kerala Blasters attempted to respond through Andre Green, whose effort in the 38th minute was blocked by Satrustegui. Defender Amey Ranawade also failed to convert Adrian Luna’s cross, with his attempt posing little threat to NorthEast United goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh.

The Highlanders doubled their advantage deep into first-half stoppage time. After Ajaraie recovered the ball following a blocked attempt by Hormipam Ruivah, he set up Spanish midfielder Antonio Moyano, who finished successfully in the 45+4th minute.

Kerala made two substitutions at half-time, introducing Korou and Sandeep Singh in place of Ranawade and Hormipam. However, NorthEast United continued to create chances, with Arsh making important saves to deny Moyano and Jithin.

The visitors reduced the deficit around the hour mark when Yansane converted Adrian Luna’s flick with a low drive past Gurmeet Singh, making it 2-1.

NorthEast United restored their two-goal cushion in the 70th minute after Ajaraie capitalised on a poor clearance by Korou. His curling attempt from the edge of the penalty area beat Arsh to make it 3-1. Ajaraie was subsequently substituted alongside Jithin, with Nikola and Aman CK entering the field.

Aman CK marked his debut with a goal in the 82nd minute, converting a pass from Macarton to complete the scoring at 4-1. Kerala Blasters introduced Mohammed Sanan for Vibin Mohanan but could not find another goal.

NorthEast United defended their advantage until the final whistle, completing a dominant performance and moving to the summit of the ISL standings.