AIFF Super Cup 2025: FC Goa beats Mumbai City to set up final against East Bengal

It was an extraordinary start to the second semi-final of the AIFF Super Cup. A confusing one for the spectators and an unwanted one for FC Goa.

An unprecedented red card was handed out in the tunnel ahead of the match against Mumbai City FC in Margao, Goa at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday.

Match referee Pratik Mondal decided to dismiss the FC Goa captain for showing dissent and trashing Manolo Marquez’s plans.

EXPLAINED | FC Goa’s Guarrotxena showed a red card in the tunnel before kick-off against Mumbai City

Fortunately for Goa, things only looked better from there as they defeated Mumbai City 2-1 and returned to the final, much to the delight of the raucous home crowd.

While Goa were unlucky from the early setback, they benefited from Mumbai’s mistakes. Tiri slipped in the build-up to Brison Fernandes’ goal, Phurba Lachenpa’s howler gifted the side a second goal, while Lallianzuala Chhangte failed to hit the target with his penalty.

After a sedate start, it was Guarrotxena’s replacement, Javier Siverio – who was originally on the substitute’s bench – who lifted the crowd when he struck the post with a strike from distance.

Minutes later, Goa increased the momentum. Borja Herrera found space on the left and delivered a cross, which found its way to Brison after a slip by Tiri during a clearing attempt. The winger hit a first-time volley that bounced off the roof of the net and thrilled the crowd.

Spurred on by the crowd, Goa stepped forward again and needed less than two minutes to double their lead. Mumbai City’s Bijay Chhetri cleared a cross from the left but ended up muffing his ball and inviting Goa midfielder David Timor for a shot from distance.

The Spaniard’s rasping effort continued to climb Lachenpa, who eventually spilled the ball into the net. On the sidelines, Manolo Marquez could finally afford to smile a little after the tumultuous start to the match.

But Mumbai City, who have caused Goa a lot of heartbreak in recent times, were not going to change easily. Jorge Pereyra Diaz rattled the crossbar from close range to draw a warning before the break.

In the second period, Hrithik Tiwari, who had had a quiet evening until then, was the man in the spotlight. He needlessly clattered into Diaz to gift Mumbai City a penalty in the 52nd minute, but was spared the blushes when Chhangte knocked the ball over.

From then on, Mumbai City were on the rise, controlling possession and moving the ball quickly in well-worked patterns with Brandon Fernandes at the center of it.

READ ALSO | East Bengal beats Punjab FC to advance to the third AIFF Super Cup final

Brandon pulled one back for Mumbai City after a clever partnership with Diaz on the left, with the Argentine returning a pass to find the former FC Goa man’s run. Brandon managed to stave off a challenge before coolly firing past Tiwari in the 59th minute.

Tiwari then made two crucial saves from Jorge Ortiz and Diaz to keep Goa’s nose ahead.

Brandon, who had retired in the aftermath of his goal, was replaced by Vikram Partap Singh. Then Mumbai City seemed to miss the crisp passage between the lines to open up Goa’s defense as the home side held on.

Goa, who will be without captain Guarrotxena in the final, will now defend their title against East Bengal on Sunday.

Published on December 4, 2025