NorthEast United Thrash Kerala Blasters 4-1 to Take ISL Table Summit

NorthEast United FC delivered a commanding performance at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, defeating Kerala Blasters FC 4-1 in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27. 

Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored twice, while Antonio Moyano and debutant Aman CK also found the net as the Highlanders secured their second consecutive victory and climbed to the top of the league table. The result highlighted NorthEast United’s attacking efficiency and ability to respond when Kerala Blasters threatened a comeback. Although the visitors reduced the deficit in the second half through Yansane, Ajaraie restored the hosts’ two-goal cushion before Aman sealed an emphatic win late in the match.

Juan Pedro Benali’s side built on its opening-day success against Mohun Bagan Super Giant to make another statement early in the campaign.

NorthEast United took the lead in the 15th minute through Ajaraie, who capitalised on an incisive pass from Eneko Satrustegui. The defender’s perfectly weighted through ball sent the Moroccan striker clear on goal, and Ajaraie rounded Kerala goalkeeper Arsh Anwer before calmly slotting the ball into the net.

The early breakthrough gave the Highlanders confidence, and they continued to threaten the visitors’ defence. Jithin came close to adding a second goal in as many matches, but Arsh reacted well to push his header away from danger.

Kerala Blasters attempted to respond through Andre Green, whose effort in the 38th minute was blocked by Satrustegui. Shortly afterwards, defender Amey Ranawade tried to capitalise on a cross from Adrian Luna, but his attempt failed to test NorthEast United goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh.

The visitors could not turn their opportunities into an equaliser, and NorthEast United made them pay just before half-time.

Moyano doubles the advantage before the break

Deep into first-half stoppage time, the Highlanders extended their lead through Moyano. Ajaraie initially saw his shot blocked by Hormipam Ruivah, but the striker recovered possession and quickly slipped a pass into space for the Spanish midfielder.

Moyano finished the move to make it 2-0 in the 45+4th minute, giving Northeast United a valuable cushion at the interval. The goal was a significant moment in the match because Kerala had shown signs of attacking promise without finding a breakthrough. Instead of entering the break with the possibility of a comeback firmly in sight, the Blasters faced the challenge of overturning a two-goal deficit.

Kerala made two changes at half-time, introducing Korou and Sandeep Singh for Ranawade and Hormipam in an attempt to improve their performance. However, NorthEast United continued to create opportunities after the restart. Arsh was called into action to deny both Moyano and Jithin, preventing the hosts from extending their lead further.

Kerala Blasters briefly revived the contest around the hour mark with a goal against the run of play. Luna supplied a flick that found Yansane, who drove a low finish past Gurmeet to reduce the deficit to 2-1. The goal gave the visitors renewed hope, but their opportunity to build momentum was short-lived.

NorthEast United restored their two-goal advantage through Ajaraie in the 70th minute. The striker capitalised on a poor clearance from Korou and produced a curling effort from the edge of the penalty area. Arsh managed to get a touch on the shot but could not prevent it from finding the target. Ajaraie’s second goal of the evening made it 3-1 and shifted the pressure back onto Kerala.

The Moroccan’s brace underlined his importance to NorthEast United’s attack. His opening goal established the hosts’ advantage, while his contribution to Moyano’s strike and his second-half finish helped the Highlanders maintain control.

Benali subsequently substituted Ajaraie and Jithin, bringing on Nikola and Aman CK. Kerala also made another change, introducing Mohammed Sanan for Vibin Mohanan.

NorthEast United put the result beyond doubt in the 82nd minute when Aman CK scored on his debut. The substitute received a pass from Macarton and converted to make it 4-1, capping a memorable introduction to the team.

The goal was the final blow to Kerala Blasters’ hopes of recovering from the deficit. Although the visitors continued to search for opportunities, NorthEast United remained organised and tracked their attacking movements effectively.

The Highlanders protected their three-goal advantage through the closing stages to secure a comprehensive victory in front of their home supporters.

Highlanders move to the top

The 4-1 result gave NorthEast United their second win in succession and lifted them to the summit of the ISL table. Ajaraie’s brace, Moyano’s first-half finish and Aman’s late goal provided the attacking returns, while the defensive unit recovered from Kerala’s brief second-half resurgence to see out the match.

For Kerala Blasters, the defeat was a setback after their opening victory over Inter Kashi. Their goal through Yansane demonstrated their ability to create a route back into the contest, but defensive errors and NorthEast United’s clinical finishing proved costly.

NorthEast United will look to carry their momentum into the next round of fixtures, while Kerala must regroup after conceding four goals in Guwahati.

With two victories from their opening matches, the Highlanders have made an encouraging start to their campaign. Their latest performance combined sharp attacking transitions, effective finishing and a decisive contribution from the bench, giving Benali’s team an early position at the top of the league standings.