Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati

Guwahati, May 11: NorthEast United FC produced a dominant all-round performance to outclass Chennaiyin FC 4-1 in an Indian Super League 2025–26 encounter at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Sunday.

The Highlanders were powered by a brilliant first-half brace from Jairo Samperio, an own goal, and a late strike from substitute Lalbiakdika to seal a comprehensive win. Samperio’s performance, which also marked his first goals in the ISL, earned him the Player of the Match award.

NorthEast United made an explosive start, taking the lead as early as the fifth minute. Goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh initiated a quick build-up from the back, which was finished off by Samperio after a precise assist from Jithin MS. The hosts continued to press, while Chennaiyin FC struggled to convert possession into clear chances.

Despite periods of control in midfield, Chennaiyin were repeatedly denied by the NorthEast defence and goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh, who made several key saves to keep the visitors at bay. Just before half-time, NorthEast doubled their advantage when Samperio capitalised on a defensive lapse from Mandar Rao Dessai to calmly slot home his second goal.

Chennaiyin FC returned with more urgency in the second half, with players like Farukh Choudhary and Lalrinliana Hnamte pushing forward in search of a comeback. However, they were unable to break through a disciplined NorthEast defence, with Gurmeet once again making crucial interventions.

The game tilted further in NorthEast’s favour in the 70th minute when a dangerous cross led to an unfortunate own goal by Laldinliana R, extending the lead to 3-0. Chennaiyin did manage to respond in the 81st minute through Laldinliana, who made amends with a composed finish after a well-worked move involving Alberto Noguera.

However, any hopes of a late comeback were quickly extinguished. In the 90th minute, substitute Lalbiakdika took advantage of a goalkeeping error by Mohammad Nawaz to score NorthEast’s fourth goal and complete the rout.

The result sees NorthEast United FC climb to ninth place in the standings with 13 points from 12 matches, while Chennaiyin FC remain stuck in 13th position with nine points, hovering close to the relegation zone.

It was a night where NorthEast United’s attacking efficiency and defensive discipline stood out, while Chennaiyin FC were left to rue missed chances and costly defensive errors.