Two first-half goals from Guillermo & Nestor help 10-man Highlanders to win on the road
New Delhi, 23 November 2024: NorthEast United FC extended their unbeaten away run to three games with a resolute 2-1 victory away against Punjab FC in their Indian Super League (ISL 2024-25) clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi here on Saturday.
Highlanders’ Spanish forwards Guillermo Fernandez (15’) and Nestor Albiach (18’) were on target in the first half to secure the win for Juan Pedro Benali’s men. Ivan Novoselec (88’) was on the scoresheet for Punjab FC.
Fast starts have been a hallmark of NorthEast United FC and the trend continued in Delhi. In the 15th minute, Macarton found Alaaeddine Ajaraie in space on the left, who made a darting run and fired a shot at the goal. Punjab custodian Ravi Kumar could only get fingertips onto the cross and Guillermo put the ball in the back of the net with a simple tap-in.
Buanthanglun Samte has created the most chances for any defender in the league and the fullback was at his best down the left flank. Three minutes after the opener, Samte put in a first-time cross into the box and unmarked Albiach scored a sumptuous volley into the top right corner, leaving Ravi Kumar rooted to the spot.
When it looked like the Highlanders would take the 2-0 lead at the break, Dinesh Singh was given his marching orders in the additional time of the first half for the second bookable offence. The red card prompted the gaffer to bring on Bekey Oram at the break.
With their back against the wall, the Highlanders showed their mettle in defence and did not give Punjab attackers any sniff of the goal. Gurmeet Singh, who has been fantastic this season, ensured the team stayed ahead on the night.
With this win, NorthEast United FC climbed to the second spot in the table. The Highlanders have 15 points from 9 games (4 wins, 3 draws) and would continue to occupy the second spot should Mohun Bagan fail to win their game against Jamshedpur FC later on Saturday.
NorthEast United FC would look to extend their unbeaten away run when they travel to Kolkata to face East Bengal on 29 November.
