The Indian Super League (ISL) is a melting pot of passion, skill, and fierce rivalries, and one of the most exciting fixtures is the clash between Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United FC. The Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC lineups are always a focal point for fans, as both teams bring a blend of local talent and international flair to the pitch.
The Clash of Titans: A Growing Rivalry
The rivalry between Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United FC may not have the historical weight of some other ISL fixtures, but it has grown into a compelling contest. Kerala Blasters, based in Kochi, boast one of the most passionate fanbases in Indian football, while NorthEast United FC, representing the eight northeastern states, bring a unique energy and flair to the league. The Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC lineups are always scrutinized, as both teams aim to assert dominance in this competitive fixture.
In the 2024-25 ISL season, the two teams faced off twice—on October 29, 2024, and February 15, 2025. Kerala Blasters emerged victorious in both encounters, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical discipline. These matches highlighted why the Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC lineups are critical to understanding the dynamics of this matchup.
Recent Encounters: Kerala’s Dominance in 2024-25
October 29, 2024: Kerala Blasters 2-0 NorthEast United FC
The first meeting of the season took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, where Kerala Blasters secured a 2-0 victory. The Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC lineups set the stage for a tightly contested battle, with Kerala’s attacking intent shining through. Coached by Ivan Vukomanović, Kerala lined up in their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, with Adrián Luna pulling the strings in midfield and Jesús Jiménez leading the line. NorthEast United, under Juan Pedro Benali, opted for a 4-3-3 setup, relying on the pace of wingers like Jithin MS and Nestor Albiach.
The match was decided by two moments of brilliance. In the 32nd minute, Noah Sadaoui opened the scoring with a curling effort, assisted by Luna. The second goal came in the 68th minute, when Jiménez converted a penalty after a foul on Korou Singh. The Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC lineups showcased Kerala’s ability to control the game, with their midfield trio of Jeakson Singh, Vibin Mohanan, and Luna outclassing NorthEast’s engine room.
February 15, 2025: Kerala Blasters 3-1 NorthEast United FC
The return fixture at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati saw Kerala Blasters continue their dominance with a 3-1 win. The Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC lineups reflected both teams’ ambitions to secure crucial points in the playoff race. Kerala stuck with their 4-2-3-1, while NorthEast tweaked their approach, switching to a 4-2-3-1 to match Kerala’s midfield intensity.
Kerala struck early, with Jiménez scoring in the 12th minute, assisted by Luna. Korou Singh doubled the lead in the 39th minute with a fine solo effort, and Kwame Peprah sealed the victory in the 75th minute with a tap-in. NorthEast pulled one back through Nestor Albiach in the 88th minute, but it was too little, too late. The Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC lineups highlighted Kerala’s clinical finishing and defensive resilience, while NorthEast struggled to convert their chances.
Tactical Analysis: How the Lineups Shaped the Game
The Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC lineups in both matches revealed contrasting tactical approaches. Kerala Blasters’ 4-2-3-1 allowed them to dominate possession and exploit the flanks, with wingers Noah Sadaoui and Korou Singh stretching NorthEast’s defense. Adrián Luna’s role as the attacking midfielder was pivotal, as he orchestrated play and created scoring opportunities. The defensive pairing of Hormipam Ruivah and Milos Drinčić provided a solid foundation, thwarting NorthEast’s attacking forays.
NorthEast United’s 4-3-3 in the first match aimed to leverage their wingers’ pace, but they struggled to break down Kerala’s organized defense. In the second match, their switch to a 4-2-3-1 improved their midfield presence, but defensive errors cost them dearly. Players like Nestor Albiach and Jithin MS showed flashes of brilliance, but the lack of cohesion in the Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC lineups was evident, with Kerala exploiting gaps in NorthEast’s backline.
Full Scorecard Breakdown
Below is a detailed breakdown of the two matches, highlighting the Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC lineups, key events, and player performances.
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Match Details |
Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC (October 29, 2024) |
Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC (February 15, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
|
Venue |
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi |
Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati |
|
Final Score |
Kerala Blasters 2-0 NorthEast United FC |
Kerala Blasters 3-1 NorthEast United FC |
|
Kerala Blasters Lineup |
Starting XI: Sachin Suresh (GK), Pritam Kotal, Hormipam Ruivah, Milos Drinčić, Aiban Dohling, Jeakson Singh, Vibin Mohanan, Korou Singh, Adrián Luna (C), Noah Sadaoui, Jesús Jiménez |
Starting XI: Sachin Suresh (GK), Pritam Kotal, Hormipam Ruivah, Milos Drinčić, Aiban Dohling, Jeakson Singh, Vibin Mohanan, Korou Singh, Adrián Luna (C), Noah Sadaoui, Jesús Jiménez |
|
NorthEast United FC Lineup |
Starting XI: Gurmeet Singh (GK), Dinesh Singh, Asheer Akhtar, Michel Zabaco, Buanthanglun Samte, Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Mayakkannan, Jithin MS, Nestor Albiach, Guillermo Fernández, Alaeddine Ajaraie |
Starting XI: Gurmeet Singh (GK), Dinesh Singh, Asheer Akhtar, Michel Zabaco, Buanthanglun Samte, Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Mayakkannan, Jithin MS, Nestor Albiach, Guillermo Fernández, Alaeddine Ajaraie |
|
Goals |
Noah Sadaoui (32’), Jesús Jiménez (68’ – Penalty) |
Jesús Jiménez (12’), Korou Singh (39’), Kwame Peprah (75’) – Nestor Albiach (88’) |
|
Assists |
Adrián Luna (1) |
Adrián Luna (2), Noah Sadaoui (1) |
|
Key Moments |
– Sadaoui’s curling effort opens the scoring (32’) |
– Early goal by Jiménez sets the tone (12’) |
|
Player of the Match |
Adrián Luna (Kerala Blasters) |
Adrián Luna (Kerala Blasters) |
This table encapsulates the Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC lineups and the critical moments that defined these matches. Kerala’s consistency in their starting XI, particularly the midfield trio of Jeakson Singh, Vibin Mohanan, and Adrián Luna, gave them a clear advantage. NorthEast’s substitutions, while introducing fresh legs, couldn’t overturn Kerala’s dominance.
Key Players to Watch in the Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC Lineups
Kerala Blasters
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Adrián Luna: The Uruguayan maestro is the heartbeat of Kerala Blasters. His vision, creativity, and ability to deliver in clutch moments make him a standout in the Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC lineups. Luna’s assists in both matches were pivotal.
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Jesús Jiménez: The Spanish striker’s clinical finishing has been a game-changer, with goals in both matches showcasing his predatory instincts.
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Korou Singh: The young winger’s pace and flair troubled NorthEast’s defense, with a goal and a penalty won in the two encounters.
NorthEast United FC
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Nestor Albiach: The Spanish forward showed his quality with a late goal in the February match. NorthEast will need more from him in future Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC lineups.
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Jithin MS: The winger’s pace and directness provide an attacking outlet, but he needs to be more consistent to make a bigger impact.
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Michel Zabaco: The experienced defender anchors NorthEast’s backline, but he’ll need to tighten up against Kerala’s potent attack.
Historical Context: Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC Head-to-Head
The head-to-head record between Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United FC is fairly balanced. According to historical data, in 20 previous meetings, Kerala Blasters have won 8, NorthEast United have won 6, and 6 matches have ended in draws. Kerala has scored 27 goals compared to NorthEast’s 24, indicating a slight edge in attack. The Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC lineups have often determined the outcome, with tactical battles in midfield proving decisive.
Kerala’s victories in the 2024-25 season have tilted the scales in their favor, but NorthEast’s resilience and attacking potential make them a dangerous opponent. The Highlanders’ ability to bounce back will be tested in future encounters.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC lineups sparked lively discussions on social media, particularly on X. Fans praised Kerala’s attacking trio of Luna, Jiménez, and Sadaoui, with one post stating, “Kerala Blasters’ lineup is unstoppable! Luna is the best in the ISL! #KBFC #ISL.” NorthEast supporters, while disappointed, highlighted Nestor Albiach’s potential, with one user noting, “Nestor needs more support upfront. Our lineup needs tweaking to compete with Kerala. #NEUFC.”
The passionate fanbases of both teams added to the electric atmosphere, with the Manjappada’s tifos in Kochi and the Highlanders’ vocal support in Guwahati creating unforgettable matchday experiences.
Tactical Takeaways and Future Prospects
The Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC lineups in the 2024-25 season highlighted Kerala’s tactical maturity and squad depth. Their ability to maintain a consistent starting XI while integrating young talents like Korou Singh and Rahul KP bodes well for their playoff aspirations. Ivan Vukomanović’s emphasis on possession and quick transitions has made Kerala a formidable force.
NorthEast United, meanwhile, need to address their defensive frailties and find a way to convert chances. Juan Pedro Benali’s side showed glimpses of potential, particularly through Albiach and Jithin MS, but consistency remains a challenge. Tweaking the Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC lineups to include more attacking dynamism could help NorthEast close the gap.
As the ISL season progresses, both teams are in contention for playoff spots. Kerala Blasters’ recent form suggests they are peaking at the right time, while NorthEast United will look to regroup and capitalize on their home games. The next clash between these two sides promises to be another thrilling chapter in this growing rivalry.
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Conclusion
The Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC lineups have been central to the narrative of their 2024-25 ISL encounters. Kerala Blasters’ victories in both matches showcased their attacking flair, midfield dominance, and defensive solidity, with players like Adrián Luna and Jesús Jiménez proving to be difference-makers. NorthEast United, despite their efforts, struggled to match Kerala’s intensity, but players like Nestor Albiach offer hope for the future.
The full scorecard breakdown highlights the key moments and tactical nuances that defined these matches. As the ISL season unfolds, the Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC lineups will continue to shape this exciting rivalry. Whether it’s the roar of the Manjappada in Kochi or the fervor of the Highlanders in Guwahati, this fixture remains a must-watch for football fans across India.
