NorthEast United FC beat Shillong Lajong 5-2 in the 135th Durand Cup quarterfinal, completing a stunning second-half comeback to reach the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive time.
NorthEast United FC produced a sensational second-half comeback to defeat Shillong Lajong FC 5-2 in a thrilling Northeastern derby at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Monday, securing their place in the semi-finals of the 135th Durand Cup for the fourth consecutive time.
The Highlanders found themselves trailing 2-1 at half-time after a fiercely contested opening 45 minutes played in torrential rain. However, NorthEast United completely transformed the game after the break, scoring four unanswered goals to overturn the deficit and seal an emphatic quarterfinal victory.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie was the standout performer for NorthEast United, producing a magnificent hat-trick that proved decisive in the Highlanders’ comeback. Etyan Jesus Gonzalez Morales and Jithin M.S. also found the net as NorthEast United turned a difficult first half into a commanding victory.
With NorthEast United’s qualification, all four semi-finalists of the 135th Durand Cup have now been confirmed. Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Sporting Club Delhi, East Bengal FC and NorthEast United FC will contest the tournament’s last-four stage.
Both teams began the quarterfinal with attacking 4-3-3 formations, setting the stage for an open contest. Shillong Lajong relied on Ranit Sarkar in goal, with Kitboklang Khyriem, Arthur Tio, Joedson Dos Santos and captain Kenstar Kharshong forming the defensive line. Lamlallian S. T., Gladdy Nelson Kharbuli and Damaitphang Lyngdoh operated in midfield, while Jota, Figo Syndai and Nelson Rymbai led the attack.
NorthEast United, meanwhile, started Gurmeet Singh in goal, with Abdul Rabeeh, Eneko Satrustegui, Asheer Akhtar and captain Redeem Tlang in defence. Macarton Louis Nickson, Antonio Moyano and Muthu Irulandi Mayakkannan formed the midfield, while Jithin M.S., Ajaraie and Etyan Jesus Gonzalez Morales spearheaded the attack.
Heavy rain immediately created difficult playing conditions, with the slippery surface making control and movement challenging. Despite the conditions, NorthEast United settled into the game quickly and created the first notable opportunity in the seventh minute. Eneko Satrustegui rose to meet an Antonio Moyano corner but sent his header narrowly wide.
The Highlanders opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Ajaraie. The Moroccan forward received a perfectly weighted long pass from Redeem Tlang and displayed excellent composure and individual skill to evade the approaching defender before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper. The goal also saw Ajaraie draw level with Rodriguinho in the tournament’s scoring charts.
Shillong Lajong responded strongly and levelled the contest in the 20th minute. Figo Syndai found space in the final third and made no mistake with his finish, sending the home supporters into celebration.
The match subsequently developed into a fast-paced, end-to-end battle. NorthEast United came close to restoring their lead in the 27th minute when Jithin M.S. received an opportunity following a quick counter-attack, but his effort narrowly missed the target.
Shillong continued to grow in confidence and completed their comeback in the 34th minute. Jota launched a rapid counter-attack, broke clear of the NorthEast United defence and rounded Gurmeet Singh before calmly finding the net to put Shillong Lajong 2-1 ahead.
NorthEast United struggled to regain their early rhythm before half-time, allowing Shillong to head into the interval with the advantage.
The second half, however, brought a dramatic change in momentum. As the rain eased, NorthEast United increased their attacking intensity and quickly began putting the Shillong defence under pressure.
The Highlanders restored parity in the 55th minute when Etyan Jesus Gonzalez Morales found the net to make it 2-2. Just three minutes later, Ajaraie struck again, completing another clinical attacking move to put NorthEast United 3-2 ahead.
Shillong attempted to respond by pushing forward and earning a series of corners, but NorthEast United remained dangerous on the counter. The intensity also resulted in bookings for Macarton Louis Nickson and Asheer Akhtar.
NorthEast United head coach Juan Pedro Benali made important substitutions, bringing on Parthib Sundar Gogoi and Nikola Ninkovic to maintain his side’s attacking momentum. The changes helped the Highlanders control the latter stages of the match.
Ajaraie completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute after being released by Jithin M.S. The Moroccan forward finished with confidence to make it 4-2 and effectively put the result beyond Shillong Lajong’s reach.
Shillong continued searching for another goal, but NorthEast United defended resolutely and prevented the hosts from creating a meaningful comeback. Benali also introduced Pramveer for his debut, replacing Asheer Akhtar as the Highlanders comfortably managed the game.
NorthEast United added a fifth goal in the 79th minute. Jithin M.S., who had been a constant threat throughout the match, finally got his reward by finishing another flowing attacking move to make it 5-2.
Further substitutions followed as Robin Yadav and Lalrinzuala entered the field, while NorthEast United comfortably controlled the closing stages and added time.
The final whistle confirmed a memorable 5-2 victory for NorthEast United United, who had overturned a 2-1 half-time deficit with four goals after the break. The result not only ended Shillong Lajong’s Durand Cup campaign but also sent the Highlanders into the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive edition.
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Ajaraie’s hat-trick ultimately proved the difference in a dramatic Northeastern derby, while NorthEast United’s second-half performance underlined their resilience and attacking quality as they continue their pursuit of the prestigious Durand Cup title.
