NorthEast United FC continued their impressive run in the 135th Durand Cup, defeating FC1 3-1 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Tuesday to finish as Group F winners with a perfect record.

The Highlanders secured three wins from three matches to comfortably book their place in the quarter-finals, while FC1’s debut Durand Cup campaign ended with three points from their three group-stage fixtures.

Parthib Sunder Gogoi was the standout performer for NorthEast United, scoring twice, while Alaaeddine Ajaraie added another goal to take his tournament tally to six. Mohmad Ilyas scored FC1’s only goal.

NorthEast United head coach Juan Pedro Benali made 10 changes to his starting XI, with Antonio Moyano the only player retained from the previous match. Spanish duo Etyan González Morales and Eneko Satrústegui Plano were handed their first starts for the club.

FC1 had an early opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty inside the opening seven minutes. Robin Yadav was penalised for handling the ball inside the box, but Mousa Ahmed Quersehi’s spot-kick was brilliantly saved by NorthEast United debutant goalkeeper K. Mohanraj.

The Highlanders responded almost immediately. Just two minutes after the penalty miss, Moyano found Jithin M.S., who raced between two defenders before sending a low cross across the face of goal. Gogoi arrived unmarked at the far post and calmly finished to give NorthEast United the lead.

FC1 enjoyed more possession during the opening stages but struggled to turn their control into clear-cut opportunities. NorthEast United remained compact in a disciplined mid-block, limiting their opponents’ options through the centre and forcing them to rely largely on attacks from the flanks.

Despite earning several corners and creating opportunities from wide areas, FC1 could not find the final touch as NorthEast United went into half-time with a 1-0 advantage.

The Highlanders doubled their lead nine minutes after the restart. Moyano delivered a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area, with Satrústegui directing a header into a crowded box. Gogoi reacted quickest, controlled the loose ball and fired his second goal of the match beyond the goalkeeper.

NorthEast United then began to dominate proceedings and created a series of opportunities. Substitute Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia came close before forcing a save from FC1 goalkeeper Aftab Ashraf following a quick counter-attack.

Ajaraie also had opportunities to extend the lead, first missing an open goal after Ashraf failed to collect a cross cleanly before being denied by the FC1 goalkeeper moments later.

The third goal eventually arrived when Gogoi turned provider. The forward produced a perfectly weighted through ball for Ajaraie, who kept his composure to lift the ball over the advancing Ashraf and into the net.

The strike was Ajaraie’s sixth goal of the tournament, further underlining his impact in NorthEast United’s impressive campaign.

FC1 managed to pull one back in the 71st minute after NorthEast United’s defence momentarily switched off. Quersehi played a clever through ball for Mohmad Ilyas, who stayed onside, raced through on goal and calmly finished between Mohanraj’s legs.

The goal briefly gave FC1 hope of a comeback, but NorthEast United remained in control. The Highlanders continued to create chances while controlling possession in midfield and preventing FC1 from building sustained pressure.

Lalrinzuala and Ajaraie both came close to adding to the scoreline late on, but NorthEast United ultimately settled for a 3-1 victory.

With three wins from three, NorthEast United FC enter the Durand Cup quarter-finals in excellent form, while FC1’s historic debut campaign comes to an end.

The Highlanders will now turn their attention to the knockout stages as they look to continue their push for the Durand Cup title.