Odisha FC climbed again up into the playoff spots of the Indian Super League (ISL) after a convincing 3-1 win towards NorthEast United FC on the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Friday.
Goals from Nandhakumar Sekar, Victor Rodriguez, and Diego Mauricio picked up three important factors for the Juggernauts, who at the moment are one level away from sealing their first-ever playoff qualification.
Odisha FC kicked off with Pedro Martin and Diego Mauricio up entrance. The attacking intent was evident, however it was NorthEast United FC, which made the higher begin and ventured ahead within the first ten minutes. The first try got here from Jithin MS because the winger tried to bend one into the far publish from the left flank however ended up firing it huge.
At the opposite finish of the pitch, Odisha FC lastly began difficult the NorthEast United FC backline. Opportunities fell to the Spanish duo of Martin and Saul Crespo, however neither certainly one of them might get their makes an attempt heading in the right direction.
But within the thirty sixth minute, the impasse was damaged and Odisha FC took an important lead. Raynier Fernandes and Sahil Panwar exchanged a few passes after a brief nook because the latter discovered Nandhakumar close to the sting of the field. The winger took one take a look at the aim and put his boot by the ball to seek out the highest proper nook.
NorthEast United FC had a few alternatives within the first ten minutes of the second-half. From a nook aimed on the far publish, Aaron Evans’ header was off beam. Moments later, Parthib Gogoi confirmed glorious consciousness on the appropriate flank as he noticed a gap on the close to publish. The teenager tried his luck from close to the touchline and compelled Amrinder to readjust his footing and palm it behind for a nook.
But Odisha FC established a two-goal cushion 5 minutes previous the hour-mark. From the appropriate flank, Crespo squared a low ball into the field for Rodriguez. The substitute’s deft contact helped him dodge Evans earlier than driving it previous Bhattacharja seven minutes after approaching. In the final ten minutes, Laldanmawia Ralte fouled Crespo contained in the field and gave away a penalty. Mauricio fired it straight down the center to make it 3-0.
In the second minute of stoppage time, a primary clear sheet in eight video games was snatched away from Odisha FC after Wilmar Gil fired one house from the spot following Shubham Sarangi’s foul.
Odisha FC leapfrogged FC Goa and ATK Mohun Bagan and can host Jamshedpur FC on February 22. If it avoids defeat in that recreation, it might imply curtains for FC Goa’s playoff hopes, as will probably be depending on ATK Mohun Bagan dropping factors in each its remaining video games. NorthEast United FC will end the season on the Marina Arena towards Chennaiyin FC on February 24.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com