Guwahati: Chennaiyin FC produced a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over NorthEast United FC in a five-goal blockbuster at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 fixture on Thursday night.
The ISL season resumed after the October international break with a fantastic clash as both teams unleashed their impressive attacking prowess.
A brace from Wilmar Jordan Gil and a spot-kick from Lukas Brambilla helped Owen Coyle’s men return to winning ways.
The Highlanders, buoyed by the brilliant home support, had a roaring start to the match. They produced a sensational counterattack, which ended with Parthib Gogoi finding Nestor Albiach in space in the penalty box. The Spanish midfielder took the opportunity to hand the hosts an early lead in the fifth minute.
It was a continuous seesaw battle between the two teams, as none could control the midfield with authority. Both teams had a flurry of chances in the first half.
Lukas Brambilla and Connor Shields combined well with Farukh Choudhury and Irfan Yadwad to create good openings for Chennaiyin FC. They were finally rewarded when Shields, with his exceptional corner delivery found Wilmar Jordan in the box and the Colombian rose highest in the box to restore parity for the visitors in the 25th minute.
The equaliser swayed things in Chennaiyin FC’s favour as they started to raise the tempo of their gameplay. In the 34th minute, a shirt tug from Michel Zabaco on Ryan Edwards saw Chennaiyin FC get rewarded with a penalty.
Brambilla stepped up and calmly slotted it past Gurmeet Singh, handing the Marina Machans a crucial lead.
The second half was more of the same for both teams. However, Chennaiyin FC made the most of their opportunity when Wilmar Jordan doubled the lead in the 51st minute after the entire NorthEast United FC defence switched off, expecting it to be flagged offside.
The hosts had the lion’s share of possession in the second period but hardly created any openings to claw their way back into the game. Meanwhile, Owen Coyle turned to Elsinho to add stability to his midfield and defence.
Laldinliana Renthlei was given marching orders in the 83rd minute after he received his second yellow card. There was drama left in the game as Yadwad dragged Alaaeddine Ajaraie down in the penalty box, handing NorthEast FC United an opportunity to pull one goal back.
Ajaraie stepped up and deceived Samik with a calm spot-kick in the 89th minute, marking his fifth goal in as many games this season. However, in the end, it was not enough for the Highlanders to salvage something from the game as Chennaiyin FC grabbed the three points.
Matchweek six in ISL will see Chennaiyin FC host FC Goa on October 24 while NorthEast United will welcome Jamshedpur FC on October 26 in search of a win.
