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Odisha FC completed a league double over NorthEast United FC and climb to fifth on the ISL standings.
In what was a very crucial game for The Eastern Dragons, Josep Gombau had his work cut out going into the game against NorthEast United FC in Guwahati. With two changes from the last game against Hyderabad FC, Sahil, and Narender returned to the starting eleven.
Odisha FC kicked off the proceedings with the clear intention to go all out from the very start with Pedro and Diego leading the charge. The first attempt fell to Pedro who missed from close range and a few minutes later Saul came agonizingly close to drawing first blood.
Come the 36th minute, Josep’s men took the lead courtesy of an absolute worldie from Nandha from outside the box. It all started with Raynier and Sahil combining from a short corner which eventually fell to the winger who produced one of his best in the season so far.
As the game progressed Josep decided to introduce fresh legs with the likes of Victor, Shubham, and Isaac coming in to replace Pedro, Narender, and Raynier. The tactical change paid dividends as Odisha FC extended their lead right past the hour mark. Saul played a square pass to Victor from the right flank who then wrong-footed Evans with an exquisite touch and finished it off.
Saul was brought down inside the box by Ralte with ten minutes to go and the referee pointed toward the spot. Diego stepped up and blasted it past Arindam to seal all three points for the visitors.
Odisha FC now sits in the fifth place as they climb over ATK Mohun Bagan and FC Goa.
Josep Gombau’s men will play their final game of the league stage at home against Jamshedpur FC on February 22. A point against the Red Miners will confirm Odisha FC’s spot in the playoffs but the boys will be hungry for all three in front of the home fans.
