NorthEast United FC secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Odisha FC in a pulsating Indian Super League encounter at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Sunday. The match, which was full of drama and excitement, saw Alaaeddine Ajaraie produce a stellar performance with a well-taken brace, while Guillermo Fernandez added a crucial goal off the bench to seal the win for the Highlanders.

Odisha FC, despite their best efforts, fell short in the five-goal spectacle. Hugo Boumous and Diego Mauricio scored for the visitors, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide in their favor. The defeat leaves Odisha FC ruing missed opportunities in a game where both teams demonstrated attacking flair and intent.

The match kicked off with NorthEast United pressing high and dominating possession. Their aggressive pressing left Odisha FC’s defense scrambling and forced them to play long balls to relieve pressure. Ajaraie was quick to capitalize on the frailties in Odisha FC’s backline, slotting home twice with clinical precision, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Odisha FC responded with a moment of brilliance from Hugo Boumous, who found the back of the net with a well-placed shot to keep his team in contention. In the second half, Diego Mauricio added to the visitors’ tally, briefly leveling the score and setting the stage for a thrilling finale.

However, it was substitute Guillermo Fernandez who proved to be the game-changer. Coming off the bench, Fernandez made an immediate impact, scoring the decisive goal that gave NorthEast United the edge. His effort ensured that the Highlanders bagged all three points and extended their winning run.

With this victory, NorthEast United FC continues to impress this season, demonstrating their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Meanwhile, Odisha FC will need to regroup and address their defensive shortcomings as they prepare for their next challenge in the league.