FC Goa Hold Their Nerve to Defend Super Cup Title After Penalty Shootout Drama Against East Bengal

FC Goa defended their AIFF Super Cup crown in the most testing of circumstances, edging past East Bengal FC in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout after a tense, goalless final at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao on Sunday.

With neither side able to break the deadlock across 120 minutes of regulation and extra time, the contest was eventually decided from the spot, where Goa showed greater composure to seal their third Super Cup title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2019 and earlier this year.

The final brought together two teams that had navigated contrasting but equally compelling paths to the summit. East Bengal arrived with momentum and structure, topping their group before knocking out Punjab FC with a convincing 3–1 win in the semi-finals, powered by goals from Mohammed Rashid, Kevin Sibille and Saul Crespo. For the Kolkata giants, this marked their second major final of the year following their IFA Shield appearance, underlining a season of growing stability and ambition.

FC Goa, meanwhile, had endured a more turbulent journey. Comfortable group-stage victories over Jamshedpur FC and Inter Kashi were offset by a narrow loss to Northeast FC, briefly threatening to derail their campaign. Yet the Gaurs responded emphatically, topping their group and producing a stirring semi-final performance to beat Mumbai City FC 2–1 despite missing their captain. The final, therefore, promised a clash between East Bengal’s controlled approach and Goa’s resilience under pressure.

The opening exchanges reflected the stakes involved. East Bengal showed early intent, creating the first genuine opening in the 11th minute when Miguel Crespo found space inside the box but failed to keep his effort on target. Moments later, a free-kick opportunity for East Bengal went begging after poor coordination between Miguel and Mahesh Singh, setting the tone for a first half where chances were scarce and execution lacked sharpness.

Goa were forced into an early tactical reshuffle in the 26th minute, withdrawing Ronney Wilson and Boris Singh for Nim Dorjee Tamang and Udanta Singh in an effort to inject pace and width. The changes helped balance the midfield battle, as both teams settled into a cautious rhythm, prioritising defensive solidity over attacking risk. By half-time, the scoreline remained goalless, with both sides aware that a single mistake could define the contest.

The second half saw a noticeable uptick in tempo. East Bengal came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 62nd minute through a well-constructed move involving Miguel and Bipin Singh, whose cross was met by Hiroshi. However, his header lacked the power and placement to beat the Goa goalkeeper, who gathered comfortably. It proved to be one of the best chances of the match and a moment East Bengal would later rue.

As the clock ticked down, fatigue began to set in, but neither side was willing to concede ground. Goa displayed characteristic patience in possession, probing for openings without overcommitting, while East Bengal relied on quick transitions and set-pieces to threaten. Stoppage time passed without a breakthrough, sending the final into extra time as tension mounted inside the stadium.

The additional 30 minutes mirrored much of what had come before intensity without incision. Both teams made substitutions to maintain energy levels, yet clear-cut chances remained elusive. Defenders dominated proceedings, winning crucial duels and clearing their lines under pressure. When the final whistle of extra time sounded with the score still at 0–0, a penalty shootout loomed as the inevitable decider.

The shootout delivered drama in abundance. East Bengal took the early advantage as Jack Sibley and captain Saul Crespo found the target, while Borja Herrera missed Goa’s opening effort. As the sequence progressed, the pressure swung violently back and forth. Miguel converted confidently for East Bengal, but Rashid’s miss gave Goa a lifeline. Goa responded through Dragic and Nemil, clawing their way back into contention, while Anwar Ali kept East Bengal alive with a composed finish.

With the scores locked at 4–4, the shootout moved into sudden death. Substitute Ahadad converted for East Bengal, momentarily dragging them ahead, only for Udanta Singh to respond with a cool finish for Goa. The turning point came when PV Vishnu failed to convert his effort for East Bengal, leaving the door open.

Brison Fernandes’ replacement, Tavora, stepped up under immense pressure and calmly slotted home the decisive penalty, prompting celebrations among the Goa players and supporters.

For FC Goa, the victory was a testament to their mental strength and tournament pedigree. Winning a final without scoring in open play, and doing so through the emotional rollercoaster of penalties, underlined their ability to manage high-pressure moments. The triumph also secured a berth in the AFC Champions League Two 2026–27 Preliminary Stage, adding tangible reward to domestic success.

East Bengal, despite the heartbreak, will take positives from a disciplined and structured campaign. Their defensive organisation held firm against a seasoned Goa side, and reaching another major final reinforces the progress made this season. However, the inability to convert key chances particularly in regulation time proved costly on a night when margins were razor-thin.

In the end, this Super Cup final may not have delivered goals in open play, but it offered relentless intensity, tactical nuance and a dramatic finish befitting the occasion.

FC Goa once again emerged champions, proving that in finals, composure often matters more than flair.