NorthEast United FC vs Kerala Blasters FC: A Thrilling 1-1 Draw in ISL 2024-25 | Match Review

 Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United FC share points in an exciting 1-1 ISL draw. Get match highlights, key players, and next fixtures!

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season remains on the thrillers’ path as NorthEast United FC and Kerala Blasters FC played out a drawn encounter of 1-1 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati. The fixture was an epitome of aggressiveness as both the teams played high-tempo football, this time however, Kerala Blasters refused to be beaten after they equalized with the second half lead taken by NorthEast United.

Pic - ISL Media

A brilliant effort from Noah Sadaoui allowed Kerala Blasters to earn an important point on the road after a spectacular free-kick by Alaeddine Ajaraei for the Highlanders was canceled.

First Half: High-Intensity Football and Missed Chances

The game began with both the sides looking to open up scoring early. However, Kerala Blasters FC seemed like the much more potent attacking force, and several such attacks led by Noah Sadaoui, Jesús Jiménez, and Danish Farooq kept the NorthEast United defense on the toes.

The Blasters almost went ahead early on when Noah Sadaoui made a dazzling run down the left, beating several defenders in his wake, before delivering an inch-perfect pass to Danish Farooq in the box. But the latter wasted a golden opportunity to score when he failed to connect with the ball just yards from goal.

But Noah continued to torment the Highlanders' defence with a shot from outside the box that just failed to hit the top corner. As this half wears on, NorthEast United began to find their feet and impose their will. Jithin MS and Guillermo Fernandez went close to breaking the deadlock but their efforts sailed wide or were thwarted by Kerala's goalkeeper, Sachin Suresh who produced a heroic stop to deny Ajaraei's powerful attempt.

Second Half: Ajaraei Strikes, but Noah Salvages a Point

NorthEast United FC coach Mikael Stahre made an aggressive substitution in the very second half as he brought in Kwame Peprah to spearhead the attack. Kerala Blasters got the bit between their teeth as well and started pressing further up, with Rahul KP becoming a regular participant in the side's attacking build-up.

They almost scored when free-kick by Vibin Mohanan deflected, falling quite kindly to the path of Rahul in the box, but his shot failed to trouble the NorthEast United keeper Gurmeet Singh. Then disaster struck for the Blasters as free-kick from the NorthEast United player Ajaraei slipped through the hands of Sachin Suresh to give the home side a 1-0 lead in the 58th minute.

But Kerala Blasters refused to sit back. Their persistence paid off in the 67th minute when substitute Mohammed Aimen set up Noah Sadaoui just outside the box. The Moroccan star weaved his way past the NorthEast United defenders and smashed a low shot into the bottom left corner, leaving Gurmeet Singh with no chance.

Drama in the Final Minutes

NorthEast United's woes worsened when Asheer Akhtar was sent off with a careless tackle on Noah in the 82nd minute. Kerala Blasters almost seized the numerical advantage when Aimen had two opportunities in a row to score. The best chance came when he turned Gurmeet, but a late tackle by Michel Zabaco prevented a dramatic winner for the Blasters.

Key Player: Vibin Mohanan (Kerala Blasters FC)

In Kerala Blasters, it was surely Vibin Mohanan who thrilled the viewers with an impeccable control of mid-field. He developed two key chances for his team and got all 39 of 46 passes. Meanwhile, he also could give his team good support by making two interceptions and having a clearance.

The draw means both teams will now turn their focus to their next fixtures. NorthEast United FC will face FC Goa on October 4, while Kerala Blasters FC head to Bhubaneswar to take on Odisha FC on October 3. Both teams will be eager to secure their first victory of the season after this hard-fought encounter.