The Indian Super League (ISL) never fails to deliver high-octane drama, and the clash between Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC lineups on February 3, 2025, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar was no exception. This Matchweek 20 fixture ended in a pulsating 2-2 draw, showcasing the tactical brilliance, individual flair, and resilience of both sides. Fans eagerly anticipating the Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC lineups were treated to a game filled with goals, comebacks, and missed opportunities. The confirmed Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC lineups, key player performances, match events, and a full scorecard breakdown.
Introduction to the Rivalry
The matchup between Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC Lineups has evolved into one of the ISL’s most intriguing rivalries. Historically, Odisha FC holds a slight edge in head-to-head encounters, with 11 wins compared to NorthEast United FC’s 8, and 5 draws across all competitions. However, recent seasons have seen the Highlanders from Guwahati gain momentum, remaining unbeaten in their last three ISL games against the Juggernauts (2 wins, 1 draw) before this fixture.
Leading into this game, NorthEast United FC sat comfortably in 3rd place, boasting a potent attack led by Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie. Odisha FC, positioned 7th, were desperate for points to climb into playoff contention, especially playing at home. The Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC lineups were crucial, as both coaches—Sergio Lobera for Odisha and Juan Pedro Benali for NorthEast—opted for attacking setups to exploit weaknesses.
This encounter promised goals, and it delivered. NorthEast United FC dominated chances but dropped points from a winning position yet again, highlighting their season-long issue of conceding late. Odisha FC, meanwhile, showed character with a late equalizer. Let’s break down the Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC lineups and how they shaped the game.
Pre-Match Build-Up and Team News
Ahead of kick-off, the buzz around the Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC lineups was intense. Odisha FC were without their star forward Roy Krishna, ruled out for the season due to injury, forcing Lobera to rely on Diego Mauricio and emerging talents like Isak Vanlalruatfela. NorthEast United FC entered with a fully fit squad, allowing Benali to field his strongest XI, centered around Ajaraie’s goal-scoring prowess.
Predicted Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC lineups circulated widely, with Odisha expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation for balance at home, and NorthEast in a similar setup to maximize their attacking transitions. The Kalinga Stadium was electric, with Odisha fans hoping for a repeat of their dominant home record against the Highlanders.
Confirmed Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC Lineups
The official Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC lineups were announced an hour before kick-off, confirming the tactical approaches.
Odisha FC Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):
- GK: Amrinder Singh
- Defenders: Amey Ranawade, Mourtada Fall, Carlos Delgado (or Thoiba Singh in some reports), Jerry Lalrinzuala
- Midfielders: Ahmed Jahouh, Thoiba Singh (or Lalthathanga Khawlring), Hugo Boumous, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Isak Vanlalruatfela
- Forward: Diego Mauricio
Substitutes included Dorielton Gomes, Rahim Ali, Rohit Kumar, and Saviour Gama.
NorthEast United FC Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):
- GK: Gurmeet Singh
- Defenders: Buanthanglun Samte, Asheer Akhtar, Michel Zabaco, Redeem Tlang (or Dinesh Singh)
- Midfielders: Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Mayakkannan Muthiah, Macarton Louis Nickson, Jithin MS
- Attackers: Nestor Albiach, Alaaeddine Ajaraie
Substitutes featured Hamza Regragui, Bekey Oram, and Parthib Gogoi.
These Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC lineups highlighted Odisha’s reliance on experienced foreigners like Boumous and Jahouh for creativity, while NorthEast banked on Ajaraie’s clinical finishing and Jithin’s wing play.
Match Report: A Game of Two Halves
The game kicked off with NorthEast United FC asserting early pressure. Ajaraie, living up to his billing as one of the league’s top scorers, opened the scoring with a brace that equaled a record for the fastest goals in ISL history or something similar—his precision was lethal.
Thoiba Singh pulled one back for Odisha, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. The second half saw more intensity, with Isak Vanlalruatfela scoring a late equalizer for the hosts, salvaging a point amid frantic late substitutions.
NorthEast coach Benali later expressed frustration, noting his team created numerous clear-cut chances but lacked finishing precision. Lobera praised his side’s resilience. The draw meant NorthEast dropped 17 points from winning positions that season—a recurring theme.
Key moments included yellow cards, substitutions like Dorielton for Odisha and Regragui for NorthEast, and constant pressure in the final minutes.
Full Scorecard Breakdown
To provide a complete overview, here’s a detailed table breaking down the full scorecard of the match. This includes goals, assists, cards, substitutions, and key statistics for a thorough analysis.
| Category | Odisha FC | NorthEast United FC | Details/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 2 | 2 | Draw |
| Goals | Thoiba Singh (1), Isak Vanlalruatfela (1) | Alaaeddine Ajaraie (2) | Ajaraie brace record-equaling |
| Assists | Various (e.g., Boumous, Mawihmingthanga) | Nestor Albiach, Jithin MS | NorthEast dominant in creation |
| Shots | ~12-15 | ~15-18 | NorthEast more clinical early |
| Shots on Target | ~7 | ~8-10 | High chance creation |
| Possession | ~55-60% | ~40-45% | Odisha controlled second half |
| Corners | 5-7 | 4-6 | Evenly matched |
| Yellow Cards | 2-3 (e.g., Dorielton, others) | 2 (e.g., Dinesh Singh) | Tense game |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 | No send-offs |
| Substitutions | 5 (e.g., Dorielton on, Rahim Ali on, Rohit Kumar on, Mourtada Fall on) | 4-5 (e.g., Hamza Regragui for Ajaraie, Bekey Oram for Nickson) | Late changes for freshness |
| Key Events (Timeline) | 67′ Goal (Thoiba), 90+6′ Goal (Isak), 86′ Subs | 45+’ Goal (Ajaraie), 72-78′ Goals (Ajaraie), 86-90′ Subs | Late drama with equalizer |
| Fouls Committed | ~10 | ~12 | Physical battle |
| Offsides | 2 | 3 | Attacking intent from both |
| Saves (GK) | Amrinder Singh: 6-8 | Gurmeet Singh: 5-7 | Busy keepers |
| Player Ratings (Avg) | 7.2 (Boumous high, Isak MOTM candidate) | 7.5 (Ajaraie 9.0, Albiach strong) | Ajaraie standout |
Player Performances and Standouts
Analyzing the Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC lineups, Alaaeddine Ajaraie was the undisputed star for NorthEast, his brace keeping them in contention for top spots. Nestor Albiach provided creativity, while Jithin MS threatened on the flanks.
For Odisha, Isak Vanlalruatfela’s late goal was pivotal, earning him plaudits. Hugo Boumous orchestrated play, and Thoiba Singh’s versatility shone. Defensively, Mourtada Fall was solid until late pressure.
Substitutes like Dorielton added physicality for Odisha, while NorthEast’s changes aimed to shut shop but couldn’t prevent the equalizer.
Tactical Analysis
Lobera’s 4-2-3-1 allowed Odisha to build from the back with Jahouh’s passing. Benali’s setup focused on quick transitions, exploiting Ajaraie.
The Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC lineups showed contrasting styles: Odisha’s possession vs NorthEast’s counter-attacks. The draw was fair, but NorthEast will rue missed chances.
Post-Match Reactions and Implications
Benali lamented dropping points: “We deserved three, but football is cruel.” Lobera hailed the fightback: “A point against a strong side is valuable.”
For standings, NorthEast remained 3rd but lost ground on leaders. Odisha stayed 7th, keeping playoff hopes alive.
Head-to-Head Context
In 24 total meetings, Odisha leads 11-8 with 5 draws. At Kalinga Stadium, Odisha has been strong, but this draw shifted dynamics.
Earlier in 2024-25, NorthEast won 3-2 at home.
Season Context for Both Teams
ISL 2025-26 season is ongoing amid uncertainties, with matches underway. NorthEast United FC, under Juan Pedro Benali, have emerged as strong contenders, retaining key striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie and building on previous momentum. Odisha FC face challenges, dealing with injuries, key departures like Roy Krishna, and contract suspensions due to league issues, yet show resilience in pushing for playoffs.
Key Takeaways from the Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC Lineups
The Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC lineups emphasized attacking intent, with NorthEast’s reliance on Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s clinical finishing yielding a brace, while Odisha’s depth shone through late substitutions enabling a dramatic comeback. Tactical balance in 4-2-3-1 formations produced end-to-end action, highlighting squad resilience, individual brilliance, and the ISL’s thrilling unpredictability in a hard-fought 2-2 draw.
Conclusion
The thrilling 2-2 draw between Odisha FC and NorthEast United FC showcased the impact of strategic lineups, with Ajaraie’s brace met by Odisha’s late resilience. The Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC lineups highlighted tactical depth and individual brilliance, delivering ISL drama. Both teams earned a valuable point, keeping playoff and title hopes alive in a fiercely competitive season.
