Tag: FC Goa

Sports

FC Goa Edge Mumbai City FC 2–1 to Enter AIFF Super Cup 2025 Final

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FATORDA, GOA | December 4, 2025 FC Goa marched into their third AIFF Super Cup final after clinching a gripping 2–1 win over Mumbai City FC at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda. The defending champions were tested throughout the night, but early goals from Brison Fernandes (20’) and David Timor (23’) were enough to secure the victory and book a title clash with East Bengal.

The match began in extraordinary fashion, with dramatic scenes unfolding even before kick-off. FC Goa captain Iker Guarrotxena was sent off due to a tunnel incident, forcing a last-minute change in the starting lineup as Javier Siverio stepped in. Despite losing their leader, Goa remained unfazed and focused.

Their resilience showed almost instantly. In the 20th minute, Brison Fernandes pounced on a defensive misjudgment from Mumbai’s Rubio, firing a powerful left-footed shot past Phurba Lachenpa to send Fatorda into raptures. Just three minutes later, Goa struck again. Timor unleashed a fierce long-range effort that Lachenpa mishandled, allowing the ball to loop helplessly into the net, gifting the champions a 2–0 cushion.

Goa continued to dominate much of the first half. Timor nearly doubled his tally from a stunning free-kick, forcing Lachenpa into an outstanding save, before the goalkeeper denied Borja Herrera on the rebound. Mumbai City, though shaken, remained dangerous—most notably when Jorge Pereyra Díaz rattled the crossbar with a sharp effort.

The second half ignited with Mumbai pushing forward aggressively. In the 52nd minute, Hrithik Tiwari brought down Díaz, leading to a penalty. But Lallianzuala Chhangte failed to convert, sending his effort high over the bar, a moment that deeply stung Mumbai’s momentum.

Seven minutes later, Mumbai finally found a breakthrough. Pereyra Díaz slipped a clever ball to Brandon Fernandes, who steadied himself despite slipping and placed a composed finish into the bottom corner. At 2–1, the semi-final roared back to life.

The final half-hour was an all-out Mumbai offensive—relentless pressure, rapid combinations, and multiple attempts on goal. But FC Goa’s defence stood tall, with Hrithik Tiwari making critical saves to keep the Gaurs in front. Mumbai threw bodies forward in stoppage time, but could not force an equaliser.

With the victory, FC Goa advance to the Super Cup final, where they will attempt to defend their crown. However, they will be without captain Guarrotxena, who remains suspended following the pre-match incident.

Sports

AIFF Super Cup 2025: FC Goa Face Mumbai City FC in Blockbuster Semifinal at Fatorda

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Fatorda, December 3, 2025: The reigning AIFF Super Cup champions FC Goa are set to light up the Fatorda Stadium once again as they prepare for a much-awaited semifinal showdown against arch-rivals Mumbai City FC on Thursday, December 4, at 8:00 PM IST.

This semifinal arrives at a crucial moment for FC Goa, who have endured one of the most demanding stretches of competitive football among all ISL clubs. While Indian football has seen an extended break in domestic action, the Gaurs have remained in top-flight rhythm. Over the last three months, FC Goa have played an AFC Champions League Two qualifier against Al Seeb (Oman), three Super Cup group-stage matches, and five AFC Champions League Two fixtures against top clubs from Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Tajikistan.

With all their Asian away fixtures completed, the champions return home physically sharp, mentally seasoned, and fully in rhythm—an advantage that could prove decisive in a knockout fixture of this magnitude.

Speaking about the team’s momentum, Head Coach Manolo Marquez said:
“I would prefer to be in FC Goa’s position with more training and more games. Playing in the AFC Champions League Two against strong teams helps a lot. But again, this is a knockout match—90 or 120 minutes—anything can happen.”

Meanwhile, Mumbai City FC enter the semifinal after nearly a month without competitive action. Despite this, Marquez emphasized that they remain one of the most consistent and formidable sides in Indian football:
“They are a quality team with strong foreigners, an experienced coach, and several Indian national team players.”

FC Goa head into the semifinals after a strong group-stage campaign, finishing top of their group despite a narrow loss to NorthEast United in a rotated final match. With the semifinal at hand, the Gaurs are expected to return to a more settled starting XI, restoring full strength as they push to defend their crown.

Young defender Ronney Wilson, who has impressed in both AFC Champions League and Super Cup fixtures, spoke about the team’s unity and growth:
“Playing in the Champions League has helped all of us improve. The bond in the dressing room is strong thanks to all these games. We’re ready for the next challenge.”

This matchup also carries emotional weight. Their last meeting in February 2025 saw FC Goa deliver one of their most dominant wins—a 1–3 victory in Mumbai, highlighted by a brace from former fan-favourite Iker Guarrotxena and a composed goal from Borja Herrera. That performance dismantled the hosts and remains a proud memory for the Gaurs.

Now, under the floodlights of Fatorda, the champions return home with rhythm, confidence, and the unwavering support of the Gaurs faithful as they prepare for a high-stakes semifinal filled with intensity, passion, and drama.

Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo Named in Al-Nassr Squad for Return Leg Against FC Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Al-Nassr’s squad for their AFC Champions League Two return leg against FC Goa, set to take place in Riyadh. The Portuguese forward’s inclusion marks a potential return to continental action, but questions remain over whether he will actually feature in the match.

The 40-year-old has been managing his workload this season, with Al-Nassr carefully balancing his fitness across domestic and international commitments. Despite being listed in the official matchday squad, the team’s coaching staff have not confirmed if Ronaldo will start, come off the bench, or be rested.

Al-Nassr currently lead their group in the competition and are aiming to secure qualification to the next round. FC Goa, on the other hand, face a challenging task away from home and will be preparing to counter Al-Nassr’s attacking depth — even if Ronaldo is not in the starting eleven.

The anticipation surrounding Ronaldo’s possible appearance has generated excitement among fans across Asia. His presence, even on the bench, is expected to draw large crowds to the stadium and significant viewership worldwide.

For Al-Nassr, this fixture provides an opportunity to maintain their strong momentum and demonstrate the strength of their squad depth. Whether or not Ronaldo plays, the Saudi side will look to finish the job and progress comfortably in the tournament.

As the team prepares for kickoff in Riyadh, all eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo — waiting to see if the football legend steps back onto the Asian stage.

Sports

Al Nassr Edge Past FC Goa 2-1 in AFC Champions League Thriller at Fatorda

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Goa witnessed a spectacular night of football as Al Nassr edged past FC Goa 2-1 in a pulsating AFC Champions League Group D fixture at the Fatorda Stadium. The clash brought together two footballing cultures — the passion of Goan fans and the star power of the Saudi giants — resulting in a memorable showdown.

The match began with Al Nassr asserting dominance early on. Angelo Gabriel opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a precise finish that silenced the home crowd. Goa tried to find rhythm, but Al Nassr doubled their lead in the 27th minute through Haroune Camara, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot the ball past the goalkeeper.

Just when it seemed Al Nassr would cruise to victory, FC Goa responded with a moment of brilliance. In the 41st minute, Brison Fernandes showcased grit and composure, pulling one back for the home side and igniting hope among the thousands of fans in attendance.

The second half saw Goa pressing hard, pushing for an equalizer with relentless energy, while Al Nassr’s defense stood firm under pressure. Despite a few close chances and roars from the stands, the scoreline remained unchanged as the final whistle blew.

While Al Nassr walked away with the points, FC Goa earned admiration for their fighting spirit against one of Asia’s elite teams. The result places Al Nassr in a strong position in Group D, but Goa’s spirited display ensures they remain a side to watch in the continental competition.

The atmosphere at Fatorda was electric, reminding everyone why football holds a special place in Goan hearts — passion, pride, and perseverance. ⚽🔥

Sports

Is Cristiano Ronaldo Coming to Goa? Here’s What We Know

Tanisha Cardozo

FC Goa’s CEO, Ravi Puskur, has spoken candidly about the buzz surrounding Al Nassr’s visit to India — and the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo joining the team on the trip.

In a strong statement, Puskur acknowledged the magnitude of the situation. “Let’s be frank, this footballer is bigger than the team. He owns around 20% stake in Al-Nassr, and he is such a global figure that if he decides to sit out a match, even the head coach can’t really overrule him,” he said.

The Indian Super League club is leaving no stone unturned. Puskur revealed that a delegation will be sent to speak with Ronaldo directly. “We’re sending a delegation to speak to him directly. If Ronaldo isn’t coming, we’ll be upfront about it. We don’t want to mislead anyone,” he added.

The CEO also acknowledged the hype — and the risk — for fans. Tickets are reportedly selling fast. “But if he does come and tickets are already sold out, then fans who took that chance will have struck gold,” said Puskur. “They will get to watch, possibly, the greatest footballer ever to walk the planet. After all, a clash with Al Nassr, one of Saudi Arabia’s top clubs, is an event in itself.”

The anticipation now boils down to two key points, as outlined by Puskur:
One — Cristiano Ronaldo is officially registered to play in the match.
Two — Whether or not he boards the flight to Goa.

“That’s something we will only know closer to the time,” he concluded.

If it happens, it will be a landmark moment for Indian football — one that could go down in history as the day Cristiano Ronaldo brought his game to Goa.