NorthEast United FC stunned reigning champions FC Goa with a thrilling 2-1 victory in their final Group B match of the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
The Highlanders absorbed constant pressure from the hosts before striking twice in the second half through Chema Núñez and Robin Yadav. Their sharp counterattacks and composed defending handed Goa their first defeat of the tournament.
Goa Dominate Early but Fail to Score
From the start, FC Goa controlled the tempo. Having already secured a semi-final spot, the Gaurs dictated possession and moved the ball swiftly through midfield. They tested the Highlanders’ defence with fluid passing and quick combinations.
In the 34th minute, Ayush Dev Chhetri came close to opening the scoring. He curled a precise shot just wide of the post after finding space outside the penalty area. Minutes later, Kumam Udanta Singh nearly broke the deadlock, but his low drive lacked the power to beat the goalkeeper.
Despite dominating the half, Goa’s efforts went unrewarded. They sent crosses into the box and created several chances, but NorthEast United stayed disciplined and compact in defence. Their backline blocked every attempt, frustrating the home fans as the teams went into halftime level.
Chema Núñez Strikes Against the Run of Play
The second half began much like the first, with Goa pressing hard and NorthEast United sitting deep. However, the Highlanders turned the tide in the 68th minute.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie burst down the left flank and cut the ball back into the box. Chema Núñez met it first time, slotting calmly into the bottom corner to make it 1-0. The goal stunned the Fatorda crowd as NorthEast celebrated a surprise lead.
Goa Hit Back Through Sahil Tavora
Goa responded quickly. Just four minutes later, in the 72nd minute, a scramble inside the NorthEast box created chaos. After several blocked shots, Sahil Tavora pounced on a loose ball and smashed it home to level the score at 1-1. The home fans roared as Goa seemed ready to push for a winner.
Robin Yadav Restores NorthEast’s Lead
But the Highlanders were not done yet. In the 76th minute, Robin Yadav rose above everyone to meet a floated cross. His perfectly timed header sailed past goalkeeper Lara, restoring NorthEast’s lead at 2-1.
That goal deflated Goa’s momentum. Despite controlling possession in the final minutes, they couldn’t break down NorthEast’s solid defence again. The Highlanders held firm until the final whistle, celebrating a memorable upset victory.
NorthEast United showed resilience, composure, and tactical discipline to overcome the defending champions. Goa dominated possession but lacked the cutting edge in attack. For NorthEast, the win ended their campaign on a high, proving their ability to challenge even the strongest sides in the tournament.