Football

NorthEast United vs Sporting Club Delhi ISL 2026 Match Preview

April 9, 2026

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NorthEast United FC welcome Sporting Club Delhi to the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati for their ISL 2025-26 Round 8 clash on April 10, 2026.

Both teams are locked in the bottom half of the table and desperately need three points. This contest carries extra weight as they battle to avoid the lower rungs of the standings. 

Match Details:

The match details are as follows:

DetailInfo
MatchNorthEast United FC vs Sporting Club Delhi
TournamentISL 2025-26 (Round 8)
DateApril 10, 2026
Time5:00 PM IST (11:30 UTC)
VenueIndira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
Live StreamingFanCode App & Sony Sports TEN 2

Head-to-Head Overview:

NorthEast United and Sporting Club Delhi, formerly Hyderabad FC, have met 12 times in the ISL. The Delhi side, across both identities, holds a slight edge with five wins against four for the Highlanders.

Three games have ended in draws across their 12 ISL encounters. NEUFC have the home advantage, but SC Delhi showed in 2025-26 that they are no pushover, drawing with Mumbai City and Jamshedpur.

MetricStat
Total Meetings in ISL12
NorthEast United Wins4
SC Delhi Wins5
Draws3

Memorable Matches Between NorthEast United FC and Sporting Club Delhi:

Out of their 12 ISL clashes, several fixtures have left a lasting impression. Here are three matches that defined the rivalry between these two sides over the years.

1. Hyderabad FC 1-0 NorthEast United FC – ISL 2024-25

Hyderabad FC secured a narrow but crucial home win over NorthEast United in the 2024-25 ISL season. It was a tight and disciplined encounter that Hyderabad edged with a solitary goal.

Hyderabad FC 1-0 NorthEast United FC
Source: Indian Super League

The result highlighted how competitive this fixture had become. NorthEast United had their moments but could not find the equalizer, leaving Guwahati with nothing from the outing.

Hyderabad’s defensive solidity was the story of the night. Their organized shape frustrated the Highlanders and showed the quality this club possesses even when not at their free-flowing best.

2. NorthEast United FC 2-1 Hyderabad FC – ISL 2023-24

NorthEast United delivered an impressive home victory over Hyderabad FC in the 2023-24 ISL season. This win was part of the Highlanders’ resurgence under head coach Juan Pedro Benali that campaign.

NorthEast United FC 2-1 Hyderabad FC - ISL 2023-24
Source: Outlook India

The Highlanders showed attacking intent and clinical finishing to overcome their opponents comfortably. Hyderabad fought back to 2-1 but were unable to find the equalizer at Guwahati.

This was a turning point in NEUFC’s season. The win boosted their confidence and signaled the arrival of a team capable of competing consistently with established clubs across the league.

3. Hyderabad FC 2-0 NorthEast United FC – ISL 2022-23

In a commanding home performance, Hyderabad FC shut out NorthEast United with a comprehensive 2-0 victory in the 2022-23 ISL season. The match showcased their home dominance at the time.

Hyderabad FC 2-0 NorthEast United FC
Source: Olympics

Hyderabad controlled the match from start to finish. Two clinical finishes gave them a comfortable win as NorthEast United struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized backline.

For NorthEast United, this was a lesson in game management. Despite some bright patches, they could not match Hyderabad’s intensity, leaving the game without even a consolation goal.

SeasonScoreKey Highlight
ISL 2024-25HFC 1-0 NEUFCHyderabad FC edged NorthEast United in a tight contest at home
ISL 2023-24NEUFC 2-1 HFCNorthEast United’s strong home form gave them a crucial three points
ISL 2022-23HFC 2-0 NEUFCHyderabad FC dominated to claim a comfortable clean sheet win

Key Player Battles to Watch:

Jithin MS vs Alex Saji

Jithin MS’s electrifying pace and direct running will be the biggest test for SC Delhi right back or center back Alex Saji. This duel in the wide areas could decide which team controls the attacking transitions.

Andy Rodriguez vs Abdul-Halik Hudu

The midfield battle between NorthEast United’s Andy Rodriguez and SC Delhi’s Abdul-Halik Hudu will be pivotal. Whoever controls the center of the pitch will likely dominate the tempo of this crucial encounter.

Matija Babovic vs Michel Zabaco

SC Delhi’s target man, Matija Babovic, will go up against veteran skipper Michel Zabaco. The experienced Serbian-versus-French duel in the air and on the ground could settle this bottom-half six-pointer.

Fun Facts About This Rivalry:

Sporting Club Delhi was formerly known as Hyderabad FC, a club that won the ISL trophy in the 2021-22 season. Delhi fans now celebrate a new era under the B.C. Jindal Group’s ownership in the capital.

  • NorthEast United FC won back-to-back Durand Cup titles in 2024 and 2025. The first title in club history came via penalty shootout against Mohun Bagan SG in 2024, a historic night for the Highlanders.
  • SC Delhi’s 2-0 win over Kerala Blasters on April 5, 2026, was the first win in the club’s history under the new identity. Around 8,000 fans turned up at JLN Stadium to witness the landmark victory.
  • NorthEast United FC pulled off a stunning 2-1 upset over Jamshedpur FC, who were unbeaten at the time, in ISL 2025-26 Round 5. It remains one of the surprise results of the entire season.
  • The Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati is one of the most intimidating away venues in Indian football. NorthEast United fans are passionate and loud, making it a fortress hard to win at.

Suggested Reads:

Conclusion: NorthEast United Favored at Home!

Both NorthEast United and Sporting Club Delhi are fighting for points in the lower half of the table. Three points here could lift either team above the relegation-threatened zone in the standings.

NorthEast United’s home advantage and the return of their passionate Guwahati crowd are crucial factors. The Highlanders have shown they can grind out results when pushed, and their squad has depth.

SC Delhi carries the confidence of their historic first win, but an away trip to the Furnace of Guwahati is always tough. A narrow 2-1 win for NorthEast United FC looks like the most likely outcome here.

FAQs

When is the NorthEast United FC vs Sporting Club Delhi ISL 2025-26 match?

The match is scheduled for April 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM IST at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, Assam.

Where can I watch NorthEast United FC vs Sporting Club Delhi live?

The match will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website. It will also be telecast on Sony Sports TEN 2 across India.

What is the head-to-head record between NorthEast United FC and SC Delhi (Hyderabad FC)?

The two clubs have met 12 times in the ISL. SC Delhi, formerly Hyderabad FC, leads with five wins, while NorthEast United has won four. Three matches ended in draws.

Has Sporting Club Delhi won any ISL match in 2025-26?

Yes. Sporting Club Delhi registered their historic first-ever win in the club’s new identity on April 5, 2026, with a 2-0 home victory over Kerala Blasters FC at JLN Stadium, Delhi.

Devraj Chauhan is a sports development strategist with hands-on experience in managing tournaments, coaching programs, and infrastructure planning across India. Dedicated to promoting both indoor and outdoor games, he brings a practical perspective to grassroots sports and writes to inspire growth in community-based athletics.

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