ISL 2024-25: NorthEast United Stages a Remarkable Comeback to Triumph Over Hyderabad FC 5-2
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Hyderabad, Dec 23 (NationPress) Guillermo Fernández netted a brace as NorthEast United FC ended their two-match losing streak by overcoming a two-goal deficit to clinch a 5-2 victory against Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium on Monday. Fernández scored in the 18th and 61st minutes, while Alaaeddine Ajaraie added another in the 73rd minute, with the remaining goals resulting from own-goals.
Hyderabad FC, who had previously conceded six goals after the 60th minute this season before this match, saw that tally rise as NorthEast United FC struck three times in the final 30 minutes, allowing them to ascend two spots to sixth place in the points table. This marked Hyderabad FC's first defeat after a nine-match unbeaten run against NorthEast United FC.
Hyderabad FC started strong, with Edmilson Correia scoring a solo goal in the fifth minute. He maneuvered into the box from the left, evading challenges from Dinesh Singh and Asheer Akhtar before slotting the ball into the bottom left corner for an early lead. HFC 1 – 0 NEUFC
Just seven minutes later, Cy Goddard skillfully controlled the ball in the middle outside the 18-yard box. He passed to Sourav K. on the right, whose well-placed cross was met by Correia, who scored again, extending the lead to 2–0.
However, NorthEast United FC refused to be intimidated and began dismantling the Hyderabad FC defense. In the 18th minute, Jithin M.S.'s shot from inside the box was blocked, but Guillermo Fernández capitalized on the loose ball and smashed it into the center of the goal to reduce the deficit.
While the home team managed to avoid major threats for the rest of the half, NorthEast United FC's attacking intensity grew in the second half.
In the 54th minute, Macarton Nickson attempted a creative long-range shot that deflected off Lenny Rodrigues, landing near the center of the net to level the scores, which was credited as an own goal by the Hyderabad FC midfielder.
Seven minutes later, Guillermo gave the visitors the lead after a link-up with Alaaeddine Ajaraie. The Hyderabad FC defense appeared disorganized when Ajaraie took a powerful shot from the edge of the box. The shot was slightly off-target, but Guillermo pounced on the deflection and slotted it into the bottom right corner.
NorthEast United FC continued to create opportunities against the Hyderabad FC backline. Mohammed Bemammer played a long ball from the center, which Alaaeddine Ajaraie headed beyond goalkeeper Karanjit Singh for a comfortable lead in the 73rd minute.
Five minutes later, Alex Saji made a mistake that resulted in another own goal for the home side. Parthib Gogoi, who had come off the bench, received a long pass inside the box and attempted a shot from a tight angle on the left. The shot lacked power, but Saji inadvertently redirected it into the net, completing the five-goal display for the Highlanders.
Hyderabad FC will face East Bengal FC in their next match on December 28, while NorthEast United FC will take on Mumbai City FC on December 30.
