In an electrifying display of resilience and skill, Chennaiyin FC secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory against NorthEast United in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday. With heart-stopping moments and a dramatic conclusion, the match underscored the tenacity and determination embedded in the DNA of Chennaiyin FC, fondly known as the Marina Machans.
It was Wilmar Jordan Gil who emerged as the hero of the night, netting a crucial brace that was instrumental in overturning an early deficit. Despite being reduced to ten men in the closing stages, Chennaiyin held their ground with remarkable composure to claim their second win of this season.
The match set a fevered pace right from the kickoff, with NorthEast United seizing an unexpected lead in the 5th minute. Nestor Albiach capitalized on a defensive lapse from the visitors, swiftly putting the ball past the Chennaiyin keeper. The Marina Machans, however, seemed unfazed by this early shock, showing their intent and building up their gameplay meticulously.
Jordan Gil’s moment of ascendancy began in the 25th minute. The equalizer came when he powerfully headed in from a precise Connor Shields corner, leaving NorthEast United’s goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh helpless. This goal galvanized Chennaiyin FC, who continued to press forward with tenacity.
Lukas Pivetta Brambilla, already a standout performer for the night, made sure Chennaiyin FC went into halftime with the lead. Taking full advantage of a penalty awarded after NorthEast’s Michel Zabaco fouled Ryan Edwards, Brambilla converted with pinpoint accuracy in the 36th minute. This goal was a testament to his clinical prowess and heightened the visitors’ spirits going into the break with a 2-1 lead.
Emerging from the interval, Chennaiyin FC sought to solidify their position, and Jordan Gil struck again in the 51st minute. Demonstrating a blend of agility and precision, he deftly controlled a well-timed pass from Laldinliana Renthlei, subsequently shooting past Gurmeet from close quarters.
. This touch of brilliance further extended Chennaiyin’s lead to 3-1, leaving the home crowd momentarily stunned.
However, the drama was far from over. In the 83rd minute, Laldinliana Renthlei found himself in hot water, receiving a second yellow card for an off-ball incident near the corner flag. This placed Chennaiyin FC under severe pressure in the dying minutes, forcing them to re-evaluate their defensive strategies with a man down.
Despite being on the back foot, the defense held firm against NorthEast United’s relentless onslaught. The hosts managed a late goal through Alaeddine Ajaraie in the 89th minute, offering a glimmer of hope for a last-minute comeback. But Chennaiyin’s defense, led by Samik Mitra’s astute saves, ensured they clinched all three points, closing the game at 3-2.
This result marks a crucial triumph for head coach Owen Coyle’s side as they now look to maintain this momentum. Their next challenge awaits in Chennai, as they prepare to host FC Goa on October 24. As the season unfolds, this victory could prove pivotal, reaffirming Chennaiyin FC’s credentials as serious contenders in the league.
While much of the focus was on Jordan Gil’s heroics, the match highlighted the collective spirit and tactical nous of Chennaiyin FC. The contributions of Brambilla were equally significant, adding depth and determination to their midfield efforts. His attacking mindset, coupled with a firm defensive setup, laid the foundation of Chennaiyin’s success on the night.
This contest between Chennaiyin FC and NorthEast United was a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of football. The Marina Machans showed that even in adversity, teamwork, endurance, and precise execution can turn the tide, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next display of footballing prowess.
