Goa: FC Goa booked their place in the AIFF Super Cup 2025 final after clinching a tense 2-1 victory over Mumbai City FC in the second semifinal at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa, on Thursday, December 4. The Gaurs will now face East Bengal in the summit clash.
Goa Score Twice in Two Minutes
Despite an eventful and chaotic pre-match situation, Goa made a blistering start.
- Brison Fernandes opened the scoring in the 21st minute.
- Just two minutes later, David Timor doubled the lead with a powerful strike, putting the Gaurs in complete control.
Mumbai, however, continued to press forward, searching for a way back into the match.
Chhangte’s Penalty Miss Proves Costly
The Islanders were handed a golden opportunity early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty in the 53rd minute.
But captain Lallianzuala Chhangte failed to convert from the spot, sending the ball wide and letting Goa off the hook.
Six minutes later, Mumbai finally pulled one back through Brandon Fernandes, who scored against his former club to revive hopes of a comeback. Despite several promising attempts, Mumbai City FC couldn’t find the equaliser and ultimately bowed out of the tournament.
Pre-Match Chaos: Guarrotxena Sent Off in Tunnel Before Kick-Off
In an extraordinary and rare incident, FC Goa captain Iker Guarrotxena was sent off in the tunnel before kick-off for dissent towards referee Pratik Mondal.
Moments before the teams walked onto the field, tensions flared near the tunnel area. Guarrotxena was reportedly asked to change his inner shorts as they violated colour regulations for both teams. His heated reaction led Mondal to issue a straight red card.
Since the dismissal occurred before the official start of the match, Goa were permitted to replace him. Coach Manolo Márquez brought in Javier Siverio, while Borja Herrera took over the captaincy.
Such pre-match sending-offs are extremely uncommon. One notable parallel is Patrice Evra’s tunnel dismissal for Marseille in a 2017 Europa League match for violent conduct.
If Goa advance to the final—as they now have—Guarrotxena’s automatic one-match suspension rules him out of the championship clash.
