In an electrifying showdown at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, FC Goa and NorthEast United FC ended up sharing points after an enthralling 3-3 draw in Matchweek 4 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season on Friday. Both teams displayed formidable attacking prowess, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats, while the defenses bore the brunt of relentless pressure on both ends. What seemed almost certain victory for NorthEast United was staved off by a dramatic last-minute goal from Borja Herrera, ensuring both teams split the points.
The contest set off with a bang as the Highlanders, led by their fluid attacking trio of Jithin M.S., Alaeddine Ajaraie, and Nestor Albiach, took immediate control. Their cohesion and dynamic positional play earned them an early reward when Nestor, displaying brilliant individual skill, carved through the FC Goa defense in merely the sixth minute, slotting the ball past goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani with precision.
Surprised by the ceaseless intensity and pace of NorthEast United’s forward line, FC Goa almost found themselves trailing by two within minutes of the first strike. Ajaraie came close to doubling their advantage, but luck didn’t favor him this time. FC Goa, however, found themselves claiming for a penalty not long after as Armando Sadiku was brought down in the box; the referee, though, remained unfazed and uninterested, waving play on.
Despite the early setback, FC Goa wasted no time regrouping. Sadiku, who had a golden opportunity to level the score squandered after miscuing a shot from a mere five yards out following an immaculate delivery from Dejan Drazic, was relentless in his quest for redemption.
As the half-time whistle loomed, FC Goa found themselves with a decisive opportunity. Mohammed Ali Bemammer’s foul on Drazic inside the penalty area handed them a lifeline. Rising to the occasion, Sadiku confidently stepped up to the spot and powered home the equalizer just before the break, sending the home crowd into raptures.
The second half sprang into life almost immediately.
. Barely two minutes in, FC Goa executed a brilliant move courtesy of Boris Singh’s interception and subsequent release of Ayush Chhetri, who found an unmarked Sadiku in the box. With calm composure, Sadiku converted this chance, securing his brace and thrusting the hosts ahead by the 47th minute.
But the lead was short-lived. NorthEast United, undeterred and resilient under the guidance of coach Juan Pedro Benali, responded with fervor. In what was a spectacular team goal, the trio of Jithin, Ajaraie, and Nestor combined exquisitely for Nestor to once again find the net, leveling the score within four minutes of falling behind. Their persistence paid further dividends as Ajaraie turned from provider to finisher in the 56th minute. Seizing control in midfield, he launched a sublime left-footed strike from just outside the box, leaving Kattimani with no chance and restoring their lead.
As the clock wound down, FC Goa ratcheted up their offensive efforts, inching closer and closer to another equalizer. Akash Sangwan came agonizingly close in the 74th minute, only to be denied by a brilliant diving save from Gurmeet Singh, NorthEast’s goalkeeper. The hosts threw everything into attack as the match reached its finale, and their tenacity paid off deep into stoppage time. Borja Herrera, linking splendidly with Drazic, unleashed a powerful shot that evaded Gurmeet, sealing a dramatic late equalizer and resulting in ecstatic celebrations among the Goan fans.
The drama didn’t end there. FC Goa nearly snatched all three points as Drazic found himself in a good position yet again, only for Gurmeet to display remarkable composure and resilience, ensuring the Highlanders salvaged a point at the final whistle. The match concluded on a somewhat sour note for FC Goa as young defender Robin Yadav was sent off with a second yellow card for an infringement on Brison Fernandes.
With this high-octane encounter serving as a testament to the competitive spirit of the ISL, NorthEast United FC will next prepare to host Chennaiyin FC on October 17. FC Goa, on the other hand, gear up to take on Mumbai City FC in what promises to be another pulsating fixture on October 19.
