Northeast United 4–1 Chennaiyin FC | Indian Super League | 10 May 2026

Northeast United delivered a dominant performance at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, thrashing Chennaiyin FC 4-1 in the Indian Super League. The victory kept the Highlanders’ playoff hopes alive and inflicted a heavy defeat on a Chennaiyin side that had been unbeaten in their previous four matches.

Match Overview

The hosts took control from the first whistle. Forward Romain Philippoteaux opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a curling shot from the edge of the box. Two quick goals before half‑time—a header from defender Provat Lakra and a solo run from midfielder Ninthoinganba Meetei—put Northeast United 3-0 up at the break. Chennaiyin pulled one back through midfielder Anirudh Thapa in the 55th minute, but any hopes of a comeback were dashed when midfielder Imdad Ali added a fourth in the 78th minute.

Key Moments

• 12' – Philippoteaux scores: Beautiful left‑footed strike.
• 38' – Lakra header: Corner from the right, powerful finish.
• 45' – Meetei makes it 3-0: Dribbled past three defenders before slotting home.
• 55' – Thapa pulls one back: Low drive from 20 yards.
• 78' – Ali seals the win: Tap‑in after a defensive mix‑up.

Tactical Story

Northeast United’s high press disrupted Chennaiyin’s build‑up play from the start. The home side won the midfield battle, with Meetei and Ali combining well. Chennaiyin’s defence, usually solid, looked disjointed and slow to react to quick transitions.

Standout Players

Ninthoinganba Meetei was unplayable—scoring one, assisting another, and drawing fouls. For Chennaiyin, Anirudh Thapa was the only bright spot with his goal and steady passing.

Season Impact

Northeast United moved to 6th place, within two points of the top‑four playoff spots. Chennaiyin remained 4th but saw their cushion over the chasing pack shrink to just three points.