FC Goa’s return to the AIFF Super Cup final came at the end of a dramatic night in Margao, one that began with confusion and disbelief inside the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. In an unprecedented scene, the semifinal against Mumbai City FC saw a red card issued before kickoff, delivered in the tunnel by referee Pratik Mondal to FC Goa’s captain for dissent. The decision threatened to derail Manolo Marquez’s plans before the players even stepped onto the pitch.
But instead of crumbling, Goa rallied. Spurred on by a boisterous home crowd, it turned an unwanted setback into an inspired 2–1 victory, capitalising on Mumbai City’s costly errors and showing remarkable composure to book its place in Sunday’s final.
Goa’s early attempts were cagey until Javier Siverio — starting on the bench before being summoned to replace Guarrotxena — sparked life into the match by rattling the post with a fierce long-range strike. The chance energised the hosts, who burst forward with renewed purpose.
Minutes later, Borja Herrera found space on the left and whipped in a cross. Mumbai defender Tiri slipped while trying to clear, allowing the ball to fall for Brison Fernandes. The winger unleashed a thunderous first-time volley into the roof of the net, sending the Goa supporters into raptures.
The momentum had fully shifted, and within two minutes, Goa doubled its lead. Bijay Chhetri’s attempted clearance inadvertently cushioned the ball perfectly for David Timor, who struck from distance. His rising effort proved too much for goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa, who spilled the ball into his own net — a moment that finally allowed Marquez a smile after the chaotic start.
Mumbai City, however, refused to fold. Jorge Pereyra Diaz rattled the crossbar before halftime, signalling more danger to come. Early in the second half, Hrithik Tiwari clattered into Diaz, conceding a penalty. Yet Goa escaped punishment as Lallianzuala Chhangte fired over from the spot.
Mumbai grew stronger, stitching intricate moves through Brandon Fernandes, who soon pulled one back. After a neat exchange with Diaz on the left, Brandon held off a challenge and coolly slotted past Tiwari in the 59th minute. But that was as close as the visitors would get.
Tiwari redeemed his earlier error with crucial saves from Diaz and Jorge Ortiz, while Mumbai’s fluency faded after Brandon was forced off and replaced by Vikram Partap Singh. Devoid of incisive passing, Mumbai City could not break down Goa’s defence again.
Despite losing skipper Guarrotxena for the final, FC Goa held firm and now advances to defend its Super Cup title against East Bengal on Sunday.
