NorthEast United FC and FC Goa settled for a pulsating 3-3 draw in an intense match, filled with attacking brilliance, defensive lapses, and last-minute drama which left fans on the edge of their seats, as both sides split the points.
From the outset, the game was fiercely contested, with both teams displaying an attacking mindset that left defenders struggling to keep up. NorthEast United, who had hopes of securing all three points, were left to rue a late stoppage-time equalizer from FC Goa’s Borja Herrera.
A blistering start from the Highlanders
NorthEast United came out of the blocks flying, showcasing their fluid and dynamic frontline, Jithin MS, Alaeddine Ajaraei, and Nestor Albiach kept the FC Goa defense guessing with their constant interchanging of positions. This high-tempo play paid off just six minutes into the match, as Nestor weaved through the Goan defense, cutting through the backline with ease before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani.
The early goal stunned FC Goa, and NorthEast United almost doubled their lead moments later. Ajaraei, continuing his impressive form this season, unleashed a dangerous shot that narrowly missed, giving the hosts an early warning of the Highlanders’ attacking prowess.
FC Goa, however, responded with an appeal for a penalty when Armando Sadiku went down in the box after contact with Michel Zabaco. The referee, unfazed by the shouts, waved play on. Sadiku then missed a golden opportunity to equalize when he scuffed a shot wide from just five yards out, following an excellent low cross from Dejan Drazic.
Penalty drama and Goa’s comeback
The first half saw its pivotal moment in the 45th minute when Mohammed Ali Bemammer fouled Drazic inside the box, handing FC Goa a penalty. Sadiku made no mistake from the spot, confidently firing the equalizer past Gurmeet Singh in goal.
Building on their momentum, FC Goa seized control early in the second half. Boris Singh’s excellent pressing won the ball in a dangerous position, allowing Ayush Chhetri to set up Sadiku, who finished with composure to give the hosts the lead in the 47th minute.
North East United’s brilliant response
Despite the setback, Juan Pedro Benali’s men were undeterred. Within four minutes, Nestor Albiach scored his second goal of the match, with the play once again being orchestrated by Jithin and Ajaraei. Their intricate passing allowed Nestor to smash the ball into the back of the net, making it 2-2.
Five minutes later, Ajaraei turned from provider to scorer. After winning possession in midfield, the Moroccan drove towards the FC Goa defense and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box, putting NorthEast United 3-2 ahead and continuing his remarkable scoring run, with four goals in as many games.
FC Goa almost snatched all three points in the dying seconds when Drazic found himself in space, but Gurmeet’s heroics in goal ensured the Highlanders left with a hard-earned point. NorthEast United’s Robin Yadav saw red after picking up a second yellow card for a foul on Brison Fernandes, adding to the late-game tension.
Late drama and a shared point
The game wasn’t over, though. FC Goa piled on the pressure in the closing stages, and their persistence finally paid off in stoppage time. Borja Herrera, linking up with Drazic, fired a powerful shot that beat Gurmeet, leveling the score at 3-3.
Ajaraei was a standout performer for NorthEast United, not only scoring but also contributing an assist, creating two key chances, and completing 12 of his 19 passes.
Upcoming fixtures
NorthEast United will next take on Chennaiyin FC at home on October 17, while FC Goa will host reigning champions Mumbai City FC on October 19 in what promises to be another high-octane clash.
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