NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali was delighted after convincing 3-0 win against defending champions Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai in the ongoing Indian Super League 2024-25 on Monday.

Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie continued his rich form for the Highlanders as he scored in the opening minute of the game. Ajaraie scored his second goal and 14th of the season in the 83rd minute whereas Nickson put the game to bed as he found the back of the net after three minutes.

“Today we deserved to win. We played against a very good team. Great players with good coach. A beautiful pitch. We went with the game plan.. and fantastic three points. The result, how many goals in or out is not important, the most important is the three points,” Benali said in the post-match press conference.

Nickson scored the final goal of the match and he was awarded Player of the Match. The Spaniard showered praise on the youngster for proving his mettle.

“He (Nickson) showed everyone he deserved it. He played very well. Great young player but at the same time, he needs to have his feet on the floor,” Benali stated.

Asking to reflect on the year 2024 for NorthEast United FC, Benali said: For the club, it has been a fantastic year. We are putting the name of NorthEast United FC as high as possible. Our fans are smiling. The owner is happy, the CEO, the media, the people who work at the grassroots, the medics.. Everyone works very hard. The crowd will only see the work of the players who go in, but behind me, I am not alone, I have a big staff working day and night and without them nothing would be possible.”

NorthEast United FC will next take on Punjab FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati on 10th January.