FC Goa booked their place in the final of the Super Cup after a tense 2-1 victory over Mumbai City FC at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Thursday. The match was packed with unexpected drama even before the kick-off, setting the stage for a nervy encounter that saw the defending champions hold on for a crucial win.
Pre-Match Drama and an Early Red Card
The match was delayed by several minutes following a bizarre incident in the tunnel. FC Goa's Spanish midfielder Iker Guarrotxena was shown a straight red card during the pre-match lineup formalities. Sources indicate the dismissal was related to a dispute over his blue inner shorts, which did not match the team's white kit. After changing, Guarrotxena reportedly exchanged words with the official, leading to his sending-off.
As per competition rules, a player sent off before kick-off can be replaced by a named substitute. Consequently, Javier Siverio was drafted into the starting eleven in place of Guarrotxena.
Goa's Quick-Fire Double Seizes Control
Understandably distracted by the pre-match chaos, FC Goa looked disjointed in the opening exchanges. Brison Fernandes received an early yellow card. However, the hosts quickly settled and struck twice in quick succession. Brison Fernandes broke the deadlock in the 21st minute with a well-taken half-volley. Just two minutes later, David Timor doubled the advantage with a powerful shot that the Mumbai goalkeeper could only parry into his own net.
Nervy Finish and Goalkeeping Heroics
With memories of a previous stoppage-time comeback by Mumbai City at the same venue in 2024 still fresh, a 2-0 lead never felt completely safe for Goa. The visitors were handed a lifeline in the second half when Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari conceded a penalty after a collision with Jorge Pereyra Diaz. However, Tiwari redeemed himself spectacularly, saving the resulting spot-kick taken by Mumbai captain Lallianzuala Chhangte.
Mumbai did pull a goal back through Brandon Fernandes's excellent finish inside the box with over thirty minutes remaining. Despite sustained pressure, Goa's defense, marshaled by the center-back pairing of Pol Moreno and Ronney Wilson—who replaced the injured Sandesh Jhingan—stood firm. Tiwari made further crucial saves from Diaz and Jorge Ortiz to preserve the lead and secure his team's passage to the final.
Road to the Continental Spot
With this victory, FC Goa will face East Bengal in the Super Cup final on Sunday. The stakes are immensely high, as the winner of the final will secure a coveted spot in Asian continental competition. This is the same path Manolo Marquez's side took last season to qualify for the AFC Champions League Two playoffs, and they will be determined to defend their title and return to the Asian stage.
