MUMBAI: NorthEast United FC defeated Mumbai City FC 3-0 at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Monday, December 30, 2024.
The winners now have 21 points from 13 matches, while Mumbai City FC have 20 from 13.
This was the first time that the Highlanders triumphed over the Islanders in their last seven ISL meetings. Despite dominating 65.2% of the possession, Mumbai City FC could take only three shots on target, as compared to the seven of the visitors. The home team took 31 crosses, but were unable to muster up concrete chances in the final third.
The match started with NorthEast United FC netting in the 46th second of the match through Key Performer of the Match, Alaaeddine Ajaraie, in what turned out to be the fastest goal by the Highlanders in an ISL game, beating the previous best by VP Suhair (01:42 vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant on December 21, 2021).
Ajaraie, however, missed a spot kick in the 25th minute.
Ajaraie didn’t cut down on exerting pressure on the opposition’s backline, instead interlinking seamlessly with Macarton Nickson impeccably in the 83rd minute to secure his second goal of the game.
The Highlanders maintained on the momentum they had created, rounding off another offensive endeavour in the 86th minute through Macarton amid a slightly crowded box with a slick finish that saw the ball sail its way into the bottom right corner.
Mumbai City FC feature next against East Bengal FC on January 6 and NorthEast United FC will be playing Mohammedan SC on January 3.
(Courtesy: ISL Media Team)
Shop
