12 Tuesday 2024 | NEUFC

In an upcoming clash set to ignite the field, NorthEast United FC faces off against Mumbai City FC in Mumbai, promising football enthusiasts a gripping encounter with both teams pursuing distinct objectives this season. The Highlanders enter the match on the heels of an unexpected setback at home against Punjab FC, where a contentious penalty in the second half led to a narrow defeat. The defeat has undoubtedly fueled NorthEast United's determination to bounce back and finish on a high note before the international break. Mumbai City FC, on the other hand, heads into this fixture following a hard-fought draw against Jamshedpur. As the teams prepare to lock horns, each point becomes crucial, especially for NorthEast United, eager to solidify their position in the league standings before the break. With the looming international hiatus, a victory in Mumbai becomes imperative for the Highlanders. Head Coach Juan Pedro Benali, in a pre-match press conference, emphasized the team's commitment to building a resilient and ambitious squad. “I don't look at the table. We are focusing on Mumbai City FC,” stated Benali. “Our goal was to build a hungry team, a fighting team, a team that plays and a team that knows our history. Sometimes, the team doesn't know what to do, but that doesn't mean it's not working.” Addressing the pressure associated with reaching the playoffs, Benali adopted a pragmatic approach, stating, “We don't want to take the pressure of reaching the playoffs. Let the other teams think about that. We are just focusing on Mumbai, and we will see later. We have nothing to lose playing against a team like Mumbai City FC. So we must go out and enjoy.” As the teams gear up for this pivotal clash, football enthusiasts can anticipate a riveting contest on the field, with both NorthEast United FC and Mumbai City FC eyeing three crucial points to shape their respective journeys in the Indian Super League.