Odisha FC delivered a stunning 4-1 victory over NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, completely dominating the second half in an ISL thriller.
Despite having 60% ball possession, NorthEast United failed to convert their chances as Odisha’s clinical finishing and sharp counter-attacks proved too much for the home side.
The match was a tale of two halves. NorthEast levelled briefly after falling behind, but a red card in the 36th minute changed the game’s momentum completely in Odisha’s favor.
Starting Lineups
NorthEast United lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under their coach, while Odisha FC set up in a compact 3-5-2 shape, with Rahul KP pulling the strings from a deep-lying midfield role.
Note: ⚽ = Goal | OG = Own Goal | 🟡 = Yellow Card | 🔴 = Red Card
| Position | NorthEast United FC (4-4-2) | Odisha FC (3-5-2) |
|---|---|---|
| GK | #1 G. Singh | #1 A. Singh |
| DEF | #77 B. Samte | #3 S. Bhattacharya 🟡 ⚽ |
| DEF | #12 A. Akhtar 🟡 | #24 T. Moirangthem |
| DEF | #2 D.S. Soraisham | #34 V. Chhakchhuak 🟡 |
| MID | #13 Mayakkannan 🔴 | #19 I. Vanlalruatfela |
| MID | #30 D. Meitei Laishram | #5 C. Delgado |
| MID | #18 Andy | #7 L. Khawlhring 🟡 |
| MID | #15 M. Nickson ⚽ (OG) | #8 R. Kumar |
| MID | #23 B. Oram | #10 Rahul KP ⚽⚽ 🟡 |
| FWD | #11 P. Gogoi | #11 R. Ali |
| FWD | #80 Jithin M.S. | #25 K. Lalrinfela |
Substitutes
Both teams had strong options on the bench. Odisha used five substitutes effectively during the match, while NorthEast United made three changes in an attempt to find a way back into the game.
| NorthEast United FC Substitutes | Odisha FC Substitutes |
|---|---|
| #16 Ankith Padmanabhan | #13 Kartik Hantal |
| #19 Thoi Singh Huidrom | #15 VP Suhair |
| #22 Redeem Tlang | #18 Hitesh Sharma |
| #3 Tondonba Singh Ngasepam | #29 Ashangbam Aphaoba Singh |
| #17 Robin Yadav | #33 Edwin Sydney Vanspaul |
| #20 Dipesh Chauhan | #6 Saurabh Bhanwala |
| #21 Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia | #16 Tejas Krishna |
| #29 Mohammed Arshaf Attakulayan | #23 Anuj Kumar |
| #66 Fredy Chawngthansanga | #39 Narendra Naik |
Early Drama: Odisha Strikes First
Rahul KP opened the scoring in just the 7th minute, giving Odisha FC an early 0-1 lead. The midfielder was clinical and sharp, thanks to a brilliant assist from R. Ali from the right flank.
Odisha’s quick start put NorthEast United on the back foot immediately. The Guwahati crowd was stunned as Odisha confidently set the tempo right from the first whistle.
NorthEast Strike Back: Macarton Nickson Equalises
NorthEast United bounced back in the 10th minute as Macarton Nickson levelled at 1-1 with a well-taken goal, assisted by Parthib Gogoi from inside the penalty box at Guwahati.
The home fans erupted in celebration as Nickson’s equaliser lifted the squad’s spirits. NorthEast United had a real chance to build momentum after that bright start to this ISL fixture.
Odisha Regains the Lead: Bhattacharya Strikes
Subham Bhattacharya restored Odisha’s lead in the 25th minute, making it 1-2. Another assist from R. Ali saw Bhattacharya run in and finish superbly past the NorthEast goalkeeper.
Odisha was looking dangerous every time they moved forward with pace and purpose. The home defence struggled to deal with Odisha’s rapid transitions throughout the first half of this game.
The referee blew for half-time with Odisha leading 2-1. NorthEast had moments early on, but simply could not sustain their pressure after the controversial red card decision in this match.
Second Half: Odisha Takes Full Control
NorthEast United made an immediate substitution at half-time. Redeem Tlang came on in the 48th minute, replacing Danny Meitei Laishram, as the coach tried to refresh the midfield immediately.
Subham Bhattacharya was booked with a yellow card in the 56th minute before being substituted off. Edwin Sydney Vanspaul replaced him in the 57th minute as Odisha rotated their defenders.
Rahul KP then scored his second goal in the 65th minute, extending Odisha’s lead to 1-3. The assist came from K. Lalrinfela as Odisha took total control of this ISL encounter.
Own Goal Seals the Win: Nickson’s Nightmare
The 68th minute brought heartbreak for NorthEast United when Macarton Nickson accidentally put the ball into his own net, making the scoreline a crushing 1-4 in Odisha’s favor.
The own goal ended all hope for the home side. Nickson, who had given NorthEast United hope with his earlier equaliser, became the unlikely villain in one of the game’s most dramatic moments.
Team Statistics
| NorthEast United FC | Statistic | Odisha FC |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Shots | 8 |
| 2 | Shots on Target | 6 |
| 60% | Possession | 40% |
| 8 | Fouls | 9 |
| 1 | Yellow Cards | 4 |
| 1 | Red Cards | 0 |
| 2 | Offsides | 2 |
| 6 | Corners | 4 |
Key Observations
NorthEast United dominated ball possession at 60%, yet they registered only 2 shots on target compared to Odisha’s 6. Odisha proved far more clinical and efficient despite having just 40% possession.
Odisha FC’s discipline after conceding goals was remarkable. They continued to press and create chances without panicking, showing great tactical maturity and game-reading ability throughout the match.
NorthEast United’s red card in the 36th minute was the real turning point. With ten men, their tactical structure collapsed, and Odisha capitalized brilliantly, scoring three goals in the second half.
Goal Scorers Summary
| Minute | Player | Team | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6′ | Rahul KP | Odisha FC | Goal |
| 10′ | Macarton Nickson | NE United FC | Goal |
| 25′ | Subham Bhattacharya | Odisha FC | Goal |
| 65′ | Rahul KP | Odisha FC | Goal |
| 68′ | Macarton Nickson | NE United FC | Own Goal |
Man of the Match: Rahul KP
Rahul KP was undoubtedly the star of the night. The Odisha FC midfielder scored a brace at the 6th and 65th minutes, influencing every key moment and setting the tone for Odisha’s dominant display.
His movement off the ball, vision to find space, and ability to finish under pressure made him almost unplayable for NorthEast United. Rahul KP was the heartbeat of this Odisha FC victory.
Conclusion: Odisha Bagged the Three Points
Odisha FC’s 4-1 victory was fully deserved. They showed clinical finishing, smart pressing, and great tactical discipline, especially after NorthEast United’s Mayakkannan received his red card at 36′.
NorthEast United will need to regroup quickly and address their defensive frailties ahead of upcoming ISL fixtures. Their inability to hold shape after the red card was a clear and costly weakness.
Odisha FC continues to show why they are one of the ISL’s most dangerous and well-organized sides this season, with this emphatic 4-1 victory sending a strong statement to all rival teams.
