Goa: In a dramatic finale at Fatorda Stadium, FC Goa clinched the Super Cup 2025 title after edging East Bengal in a tense sudden-death penalty shootout, securing back-to-back championships and a coveted berth in the AFC Champions League Qualifier.
The atmosphere at Fatorda was electric, with fans ensuring the stadium vibrated with energy even though it wasn’t at full capacity. The final lived up to its billing as a high-stakes clash between two of Indian football’s most competitive sides.
Early Threats and East Bengal’s First-Half Dominance
FC Goa came close early on when Miguel Ferreira broke the off-side trap in the 12th minute after a clever through ball from Naorem Singh, only to curl his effort inches wide.
Despite that early scare, East Bengal controlled much of the first half, pressing aggressively and dictating tempo. Their best chance arrived just before halftime when Bipin Singh swung in a precise cross that found Naorem Mahesh unmarked, but FC Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari produced a brilliant save to keep the score level.
East Bengal also succeeded in shutting down Goa’s creative engine Borja Herrera, while the Gaurs were forced into an early defensive reshuffle following an injury to centre-back Ronney Willson.
Goa Regroup But East Bengal Stay Solid
FC Goa returned from the break with renewed structure and purpose, yet East Bengal continued to maintain defensive discipline. Suspended head coach Óscar Bruzón, watching from the VIP stands, kept relaying instructions through the support staff.
In the 60th minute, East Bengal again threatened when Bipin Singh’s lofted cross met Hiroshi Ibusuki, whose header lacked power and went straight to Tiwari.
Both teams remained organised, unwilling to concede space as the match grew more tactical and cautious.
Late Second-Half Chaos and Near Misses
The final quarter of regulation time erupted with high-drama.
East Bengal’s PV Vishnu rounded the keeper but saw his effort cleared off the line. Moments later, FC Goa’s Javier Siverio headed narrowly wide from a Borja cross, followed by Brison Fernandes smashing the woodwork with a long-range strike.
FC Goa nearly conceded an own goal when Paul Moreno miscued a clearance, forcing Prabhsukhan Gill to sprint back and save the ball from crossing the line.
Despite the chaos, the match ended goalless after 90 intense minutes, sending the teams into extra time.
Extra Time: Fatigue and Missed Opportunities
Extra time offered few moments of inspiration as fatigue caught up with both sides. Goa introduced Abdul Rabeeh and Sahil Tavora, while East Bengal brought on Hamid Reza Ahadad.
Goa, however, created two big chances following defensive lapses. Siverio failed to capitalise on either, with Gill producing a superb reflex save on the second opportunity after parrying Drazic’s long-range strike.
With no breakthrough, the Super Cup final headed to the drama of penalties.
Penalty Shootout: Sudden Death Decides the Champion
The shootout began with Goa under pressure as Borja Herrera struck the post with the first attempt.
East Bengal converted through Sibille, Crespo, and Miguel Ferreira, while Goa stayed alive via Siverio and Drazic.
A turning point came when Mohammed Rashid fired his penalty over the bar. Nemil converted for Goa, making it 4-4 and forcing sudden death.
In sudden death:
- Hamid Ahadad scored for East Bengal.
- Udanta Singh converted for Goa.
- PV Vishnu missed his kick, stunning the East Bengal supporters.
- Sahil Tavora stepped up and calmly slotted home the winner.
FC Goa erupted in celebration, successfully defending their Super Cup crown and earning another shot at continental football.
It was a final that delivered everything—emotion, tactical intensity, and nail-biting drama—while both sets of fans created an unforgettable atmosphere from start to finish.
