Alaaeddine Ajaraie's brace, along with goals from Antonio Moyano and CK Aman, helped the Highlanders register an emphatic home victory against Kerala Blasters FC.

NorthEast United FC produced a clinical attacking performance to secure a convincing 4-1 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in the MG Indian Super League (ISL) 2026–27 season at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday.

A brace from Alaaeddine Ajaraie, complemented by strikes from Antonio Moyano and CK Aman, powered the Highlanders to an impressive win. Momo Yansane found the back of the net for Kerala Blasters FC, but his effort proved insufficient as the visitors struggled to contain NorthEast United's attacking threat.

The home side began the contest with attacking intent, looking to take control of proceedings from the opening stages. Kerala Blasters FC, meanwhile, adopted a five-man defensive setup under head coach Ashley Westwood, aiming to maintain their defensive shape and limit opportunities for the opposition.

However, NorthEast United FC's movement in the attacking third and ability to exploit spaces behind the defensive line caused problems for the visitors.

The Highlanders eventually broke the deadlock through Ajaraie, who made a well-timed run to receive a long ball from Eneko Satrustegui. The forward showed excellent composure to round goalkeeper Arsh Anwer Shaikh before calmly slotting the ball into the net to hand the hosts the advantage.

Buoyed by the opening goal, NorthEast United continued to push forward, with Jithin MS providing attacking impetus down the flanks. The hosts maintained their pressure and looked dangerous whenever they advanced into the final third.

Their persistence paid off before the half-time whistle when Moyano capitalised on a defensive error from Sumit Sharma to double NorthEast United's advantage.

The second goal gave the Highlanders a comfortable 2-0 lead heading into the interval, leaving Kerala Blasters with plenty of work to do in the second half.

Looking to turn the contest around, Kerala Blasters introduced Korou Singh and Sandeep Singh after the restart. The substitutions provided renewed energy as the visitors attempted to establish themselves in the game and create opportunities in the attacking third.

Their efforts were rewarded when Adrian Luna produced a clever backheel assist to set up Yansane, who finished confidently to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

The goal briefly brought Kerala Blasters back into contention and offered the visitors an opportunity to build momentum.

However, NorthEast United responded decisively to regain control of the encounter.

Ajaraie struck again to restore the Highlanders' two-goal advantage, producing a curling finish after capitalising on another defensive lapse from the visitors. His second goal of the evening put NorthEast United firmly in command and further highlighted the hosts' effectiveness in front of goal.

Despite Kerala Blasters' attempts to find a way back into the contest, the home side continued to threaten with their attacking movement and direct approach.

CK Aman eventually added NorthEast United's fourth goal, putting the result beyond doubt and completing an impressive attacking display from the Highlanders.

The 4-1 scoreline reflected NorthEast United's clinical finishing and ability to make the most of their opportunities throughout the contest.

For Kerala Blasters FC, the defeat exposed defensive vulnerabilities despite their efforts to reorganise after the interval. While Yansane's goal provided a brief moment of encouragement, the visitors were unable to sustain their comeback against a determined NorthEast United side.

Ajaraie's two-goal contribution proved particularly influential, with the forward playing a decisive role in securing the victory for the Highlanders.

The result provides NorthEast United FC with a significant boost as they look to build momentum in the MG Indian Super League 2026–27 campaign.

Kerala Blasters FC, meanwhile, will aim to regroup and address their defensive concerns ahead of their upcoming fixtures as they seek to return to winning ways.