ISL: NorthEast United FC's performances in playoffs over years

NorthEast United FC have qualified for the playoffs for the third time in club history.

Indian Super League (ISL) club NorthEast United FC has had a rollercoaster journey in the Indian Super League (ISL) since the club’s inception. While the club has faced struggles in several seasons, it has also demonstrated resilience by making it to the playoffs on two occasions in the past.

The playoff appearances have marked the Highlanders’ highs, showcasing their ability to compete against the some of the best teams in the league. While the club hasn’t won the ISL title in club history, the 2024-25 playoff qualification presents another opportunity.

Let’s take a closer look at NorthEast United FC’s performances ahead of the ISL playoffs.

2018-19 ISL playoffs

The 2018-19 ISL season was a landmark campaign for the Highlanders as they secured their first-ever playoff qualification. Under the guidance of coach Eelco Schattorie, the team displayed a brand of disciplined and attacking football, finishing fourth in the league table with 29 points from 18 games.

Led by the impressive performances of Bartholomew Ogbeche, who emerged as the team’s top scorer with 12 goals, NorthEast United showcased their intent right from the start. The club only lost three games in the season, while turning the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium into a fortress.

In the semi-finals, the Highlanders faced Bengaluru FC, who will turn out to be the eventual ISL champions. The tie started very positively for NorthEast United, who won the first leg 2-1 at home, thanks to a strong attacking display. However, in the second leg, the Highlanders suffered a brutal 3-0 defeat, prematurely ending their maiden playoff run with a 4-2 loss on aggregate. Despite falling short, this season laid the foundation for the club for future successes, giving them the first taste of playoff football.

ALSO READ: Khalid Jamil urges players to play for the fans in the Red Miner’s last home game of league

2020-21 ISL playoffs

The Highlanders made a spectacular return to the ISL playoffs in the 2020-21 season. While defying expectations and proving their strength as a competitive unit, the club finished third in the league standings with 33 points in 22 games. Despite changing head coaches mid-season with Khalid Jamil taking over from Spaniard Gerard Nus after 11 games in the regular season.

With Khalid Jamil at the helm as interim coach, the team showed remarkable determination, finishing third in the league standings, winning six of the last nine games in the regular season. Jamil also became the first Indian head coach to lead a team to the ISL playoffs, making history in the process.

Khalid Jamil’s side faced ATK Mohun Bagan in the semi-finals in only their second playoffs appearance. While the first leg ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw, showcasing NorthEast United’s resilience, the second leg, however, saw them fell short, and losing 2-1. A close tie saw the Highlanders exiting the tournament once again at the semi-finals stage with a 3-2 aggregate defeat. While the campaign was considered a success, the performances highlighted the club’s fighting spirit and the emergence of young Indian talent.

After a few seasons of disappointments and rebuilding, NorthEast United FC once again find themselves in the playoffs in the 2024-25 season. Under the management of Juan Pedro Benali, the team displayed consistency throughout the campaign, and courtesy of a historic season from Moroccan striker Alaeddine Ajaraie finished among the top four teams in the league.

With a balanced squad featuring both experienced players and young talents, NorthEast United enter the playoffs aiming for their first-ever final appearance. The Highlanders’ playoff journeys over the years have been a testament to their growth as a club. Despite facing setbacks, they have continued to rise and challenge the league’s top teams. With a solid foundation and an ever-improving squad, the future looks bright for the Highlanders as they aim to establish themselves as one of the premier sides in Indian football.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.