NorthEast United FC finished fourth with 38 points, winning 10 games and drawing on eight instances. They were the season’s second-highest scorers with 46 strikes, as the competition’s top forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie netted 50% of those goals, i.e. 23.
The Highlanders secured a playoff qualification for the first time since 2020-21, and even marked history by playing an ISL home game for the first time in Shillong, winning in their final league encounter there by 4-0 against East Bengal FC. Their placing in the playoffs was confirmed on March 3 following their 3-0 victory against Chennaiyin FC.
Ajaraie (7) and Jithin MS (5) were the top assist makers for them, highlighting the creative acumen of the setup, with NorthEast United FC making the most goal-scoring opportunities (298) in the league, netting 3+ goals in as many as eight encounters.
Overall, the Juan Pedro Benali-coached side powered their way into the top-six largely on the basis of their ability to offensively overpower their opponents – a strategy they hope could hold them in good stead in the playoffs.
