In one of the most spirited performances of the season, NorthEast United FC stunned reigning champions FC Goa 2–1 in their final AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 Group B clash at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on November 1 night.
Despite facing relentless pressure from the hosts, the Highlanders turned the tide in the second half through goals from Chema Núñez and Robin Yadav, ending FC Goa’s perfect group-stage record and reminding fans that the Guwahati-based side can never be written off.
Goa dominate early but fail to break through
Having already sealed a semifinal berth, FC Goa began confidently, controlling possession and dictating the tempo. Midfielders Ayush Dev Chhetri and Kumam Udanta Singh kept the Highlanders’ backline on alert, with close chances around the 30-minute mark.
But NorthEast United, led by their compact defensive unit, soaked up the pressure with discipline. Goalkeeper Mirshad Michu and the central pairing of Pritam Singh and Mashoor Shereef held firm as Goa ended the first half frustrated and goalless.
Chema Núñez ignites the comeback
The second half followed a similar pattern until the 68th minute, when Chema Núñez produced a moment of brilliance. After a swift counter-attack launched by Alaaeddine Ajaraie, Núñez calmly slotted the ball past the Goa keeper to make it 1–0 — silencing the Fatorda crowd.
Goa’s response was swift. In the 72nd minute, Sahil Tavora capitalised on a goalmouth scramble to level the scores. But the drama wasn’t over. Just four minutes later, Robin Yadav rose highest to head home a curling cross, restoring NorthEast United’s lead in emphatic fashion.
Statement win for the Highlanders
The result doesn’t alter the semifinal lineup — FC Goa still advance — but it sends a clear message about NorthEast United’s revival under their new setup. The Highlanders finished their campaign on a high, proving that their blend of young Indian talent and composed foreign experience can trouble any side in the tournament.
For FC Goa, the defeat serves as a timely reminder of the thin margins in knockout-style football. As they gear up for the semis, lessons from this defeat could shape their approach going forward.
With this victory, NorthEast United FC not only claimed a morale-boosting win but also reignited fan hopes that the team from the North East is ready to compete again at the highest level in Indian football.
