ISL 2024-25: NorthEast United Aims for First Win Against East Bengal in Shillong
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Synopsis
East Bengal FC will take on NorthEast United FC, who have already secured their playoff spot, in the ISL 2024-25 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The match is set to be crucial for both teams as they look for a strong finish to the season.
Key Takeaways
- NorthEast United FC has qualified for the playoffs.
- East Bengal FC aims to extend its unbeaten streak.
- Both teams have a competitive history with recent close matches.
- NorthEast United is the fourth-highest scoring team this season.
- East Bengal FC has caught opponents offside 60 times.
Shillong, March 7 (NationPress) East Bengal FC is set to challenge NorthEast United FC, who have already secured their playoff spot, in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong this Saturday. The Highlanders qualified for the playoffs with 35 points from 23 matches, boasting nine victories and eight draws. They aim to head into the playoffs with a strong win.
Currently, East Bengal FC ranks eighth with 28 points and is looking to finish the season by enhancing their favorable record against NorthEast United FC, having lost just once in their past six encounters and scoring in each of those matches.
On the other hand, NorthEast United FC comes into this match following a convincing 3-0 win against Chennaiyin FC, marking the seventh instance this season they have scored three or more goals in a game. Only Mohun Bagan Super Giant has achieved this more frequently (nine times) in the ISL 2024-25.
However, the Highlanders have faced challenges recently, suffering two consecutive home losses with identical 0-2 scorelines. The last occasion they failed to score in three straight home games was between December 2019 and February 2020.
With 42 goals scored, the Highlanders rank as the fourth-highest scoring team. Alaaeddine Ajaraie leads with 21 goals, while Guillermo Fernandez and Nestor Albiach follow closely with five goals each. Head coach Juan Pedro Benali shared his strategy: “While we are playing against East Bengal FC, our focus will be on our scoring and gameplay rather than solely on the opponent. We plan to rotate players in some positions.”
East Bengal's Unbeaten Streak
East Bengal FC is currently on an unbeaten run across their last three away games in the ISL 2024-25 (two wins, one draw). Achieving a win or draw in this match would set a new club record for the longest unbeaten streak in ISL history.
This season, East Bengal FC has effectively employed an offside trap, catching their opponents offside 60 times, the highest in the league. This tactic may expose their defense at times.
Assistant coach Bino George emphasized the significance of every match for the club, stating, “We treat all our matches with utmost importance, and we are focused on our game plans.”
In their head-to-head encounters, NorthEast United FC and East Bengal FC have played nine matches, with the former winning four times, while the latter has triumphed three times, and two matches ended in draws.
