All posts tagged: Ajaraie

Alaaeddine Ajaraie extends stay at NorthEast United FC

Alaaeddine Ajaraie extends stay at NorthEast United FC

Published by Webster

NorthEast United FC are delighted to announce that Alaaeddine Ajaraie, the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) Golden Boot and the Golden Ball winner, will stay with the club for the 2025-26 season. Ajaraie joined NorthEast United FC at the start of the 2024-25 campaign on a contract that included an option for a second year, contingent upon meeting specific performance criteria. Following a stellar debut season in Indian football, the Moroccan forward fulfilled those requirements, automatically activating the contract extension. Ajaraie was also keen to continue his journey with the club and had expressed his desire to stay on and build on the momentum throughout the season. Ajaraie, 32, enjoyed a phenomenal first season, registering an impressive 29 goals and 10 assists across 32 appearances in all competitions. He opened his NorthEast United account on his club debut — the Durand Cup clash against Border Security Force FC — and played a pivotal role throughout the tournament, including in the final, where he scored, assisted, and converted his penalty in the shootout to help NorthEast …

Alaaeddine Ajaraie breaks record for most goals in a season

Alaaeddine Ajaraie breaks record for most goals in a season

Published by Webster

Alaaeddine Ajaraie created Indian Super League history as he officially broke the record for the most goals in a single season, scoring his 19th goal of the 2024-25 campaign during Northeast United’s match against Jamshedpur FC, on Thursday. The Moroccan forward surpassed the previous record of 18 goals in a season, jointly held by Ferran Corominas (2017-18) and Bartholomew Ogbeche (2021-22). He added a second in the 81st minute, to make it 20 goals in the season. The right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner was assisted by Thoi Singh .Ajaraie’s milestone goal comes in a crucial clash with the play-offs race heating up, further cementing his status as one of the league’s most prolific strikers. Ajaraie had equalled the record in Northeast United fixture against Odisha FC, where he scored a brace to take his tally to 18 goals in 19 matches in the ongoing season. Alongside his goal-scoring prowess, he has also recorded the most goal contributions in a single ISL season, with 25 direct involvements …

How Alaaeddine Ajaraie became ISL’s most feared forward?

How Alaaeddine Ajaraie became ISL’s most feared forward?

Published by Webster

He arrived with little fanfare. Few knew him, and he didn’t boast a big name or brand recognition. He didn’t seem flashy or spectacular, at least until he touched the ball. From that first touch, Alaaeddine Ajaraie has never looked back. Since then, he’s become a magic lamp of goals for India’s Northeast. He’s making a strong case as the player everyone wants in the Indian Super League. After eight rounds of games, Alaaeddine leads the Golden Boot race by a comfortable margin, having scored 11 goals. It’s not just his lead that makes his case unprecedented in the ISL—it’s the sheer intensity of his performance. Alaaeddine hasn’t just scored 11 goals; he’s scored in every game he’s played, equaling and breaking records along the way. The legendary numbers of Ogbeche and Corominas suddenly seem modest beside the Moroccan’s form. Currently, he’s scoring at a rate of one goal every 58 minutes—a rate no one has matched in league history. This article provides a statistical breakdown of every aspect of Ajaraie’s incredible form. Zone of …

Alaeddine Ajaraie continues red-hot streak

Alaeddine Ajaraie continues red-hot streak

Published by Webster

Since NorthEast United’s Durand Cup-winning performance in August, Alaeddine Ajaraie has cemented his place in the team’s first XI by consistently finding the back of the net. He has well and truly emerged as a phenomenon this season. Despite NorthEast United losing two matches in the Indian Super League (ISL) this year, Ajaraie has been unstoppable, scoring in all seven games for his team. He now has nine goals from seven matches thus far. Singlehandedly pulling NorthEast United up in the ISL 2024-25 standings, Ajaraie has undoubtedly been the signing of the season for the Highlanders. In NorthEast United’s 3-2 win over Odisha FC in Matchweek 7 in the ISL, Ajaraie scored twice and provided an assist to Guillermo Fernandez’s goal. The Moroccan also contributed defensively with two interceptions and four clearances. He completed 19 out of 27 attempted passes, showcasing his all-around impact on the NorthEast United set-up. Ajaraie opened the scoring for NorthEast United in the 12th minute, combining with Parthib Gogoi and firing from a distance to beat Amrinder Singh, giving his …

Ajaraie powers NorthEast United to victory over Odisha- Talking Points

Ajaraie powers NorthEast United to victory over Odisha- Talking Points

Published by Webster

The Moroccan sensation Alaeddine Ajaraie continued his goal-scoring streak in his debut ISL season, scoring a brace and providing an assist against Odisha FC to help his team secure a full three points in a home game on Sunday. NorthEast United completely dominated the first half and went into the halftime break with a solid 2-0 lead, thanks to a brace from their midfielder, Ajaraie. Odisha had a good start to the second half, but they still fell short in the end, despite quality goals from Hugo Boumous and Diego Mauricio. Here are five key takeaways from this interesting encounter: Playing for NorthEast United FC, Alaeddine Ajaraie becomes the 1⃣st-ever player in the history of the Indian Super League to score in 7⃣ consecutive games at the start of the season 🤯 Consistency!#IndianFootball ⚽️ | #ISL pic.twitter.com/iXhb9uBGr1 — The Bridge Football (@bridge_football) November 3, 2024 #5 Odisha missed Jahouh Odisha FC missed their star midfielder Ahmed Jahouh, who was suspended for this match due to a red card in his previous ISL game. Jahouh is …

Alaaeddine Ajaraie breaks record for most goals in a season

Alaeddine Ajaraie Sets ISL Record with Goals in First 7 Games

Published by Webster

Alaeddine Ajaraie of NorthEast United FC has made history in the Indian Super League (ISL) by becoming the first player ever to score in seven consecutive matches at the start of a season. Ajaraie’s record-breaking feat surpasses the previous record held by Brazilian playmaker Elano, who scored in six straight games during the league’s inaugural season in 2014. Ajaraie achieved this milestone in style during NorthEast United’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Odisha FC. He scored twice in the match to surpass Elano’s record and assisted the winning goal, showing his versatility as both a scorer and a creator. With 13 goal contributions (seven goals and six assists) in just seven games, Ajaraie has been pivotal in NorthEast United’s strong start to the season. Ajaraie’s remarkable form has propelled NorthEast United to fifth position in the league. In just seven games, he has already racked up an impressive 13 goal contributions (seven goals and six assists), making him the most effective offensive player in the ISL this season. His goal-per-game consistency has not only energized his …

Alaeddine Ajaraie continues red-hot streak

Alaeddine Ajaraie, the magician from Morocco

Published by Webster

Alaeddine Ajaraie, the Moroccan forward for NorthEast United FC, has taken ISL 2024-25 by storm. The 31-year-old Alaeddine, as his name suggests, has moulded himself as a virtue of faith for NorthEast United. He delivered a magnificent performance against Jamshedpur FC in Matchweek 6 as the Highlanders tore through the Jamshedpur defence, netting five goals before a boisterous crowd in Guwahati. It was their second win of the season. A moment of magic By scoring a brace against Jamshedpur FC with his magical touch, not only did Alaeddine equal the ISL record for the most consecutive games scored, finding the opener against Jamshedpur FC on Saturday, but he also proved his importance to coach Juan Pedro Benali’s scheme of things. He drew level with Brazilian Elano, who scored in six successive games while playing for Chennaiyin FC in the first season of ISL in 2014. Five minutes into the game, there was an Alaeddine moment of magic when he received a pass from Buanthanglun Samte on the left. Well into his zone, with no Jamshedpur …

Rei Tachikawa’s rocket and other top goals from Matchweek 4

Published by Webster

Four matchweeks have come and gone in the 2024-25 edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). Bengaluru FC and Punjab FC are sitting at the first and second position in the league, with the former securing 10 points from their first four matches, followed by the resurgent Punjab FC, with three wins out of three, in second. Although the matchweek started rather quietly with two goalless draws, goals soon started flowing in with the last four games witnessing 15 goals. As the teams head into the international break, we at The Bridge have brought you the top goals of matchweek four of the ISL. #5 Borja Herrera, FC Goa Late goals have become a regular occurrence in this year’s ISL, and Borja Herrera of FC Goa added his name to the long list in the thrilling 3-3 draw between FC Goa and NorthEast United FC. Trailing 2-3 in the 94th minute, Herrera received the ball in the crowded penalty area and skillfully took a touch to create space before shooting the ball into the net. …

Red Card Drama, Moroccan Magic, Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United Share Spoils- Talking points

Published by Webster

Kerala Blasters FC and NorthEast United FC played out a thrilling 1-1 draw in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. The match had it all—controversial decisions, stunning goals, and a heartwarming moment of sportsmanship between Moroccan stars Noah Sadaoui and Alaeddine Ajaraei. As Ajaraei’s freekick put the hosts ahead, Sadaoui’s brilliant equalizer ensured the Blasters left Guwahati with a valuable point. However, the game will also be remembered for its drama, including a questionable red card and standout performances from key players. #5 Wrong Red Card The 82nd-minute red card given to NorthEast United FC’s Asheer Akhtar has sparked significant debate. Many, including NorthEast United coach Benali, believe the tackle on Noah Sadaoui deserved only a yellow card, not a straight red. He voiced his frustration, stating, “That’s not a red, that’s a yellow maybe.” This controversial decision left NorthEast United FC with ten men, giving Kerala Blasters a numerical advantage in the game’s final moments, but they couldn’t capitalize fully on it. #4 Love and Respect Between …

Van Nieff’s curler and other top strikes from matchweek two

Published by Webster

Matchweek two of the 2024-25 edition of the Indian Super League was a treat for the fans, with a total of 21 goals scored across six games. From the very first goal of the matchweek, where Rahul Bheke of Bengaluru FC volleyed home a Vinit corner in the fourth minute of the game against Hyderabad FC, it was a sign of things to come. A vast majority of the goals scored were brilliant strikes, and it was very difficult to pick out the best goals of the week but we at The Bridge bring to you, the top five goals of match week two of ISL 2024-25. #5: Alaeddin Ajaraie, Northeast United There can be perfectly struck volleys, there can be long-range screamers, and there can be acrobatic goals like bicycle kicks, but nothing can beat the adrenaline rush of watching a perfectly executed counterattack. That is exactly what we witnessed in NEUFC’s second goal against Mohun Bagan SG. Winning the ball deep in their half, NEUFC attackers swiftly turned defense into offense as they …