Rajasthan United FC’s memorable run in the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 came to an agonising end after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Sporting Club Delhi at the GMC Stadium, Bambolim.
The I-League side, who looked set for a famous win after a dominant first-half display, were denied in the dying moments as Sporting Club Delhi clawed back through Alan Saji’s stoppage-time equaliser. Needing a convincing victory to keep their semifinal hopes alive, Rajasthan United started the match with urgency and attacking intent. From the opening whistle, the side pressed high, creating early chances through the energetic pair of Naoba Meitei and Alan Thapa, both trying their luck from distance. But it was the visitors’ superior organisation from set-pieces that brought the first breakthrough.
In the 22nd minute, Spanish midfielder Pedro Astray rose highest at the far post to meet Lalfelkima’s curling corner and nodded it past Delhi goalkeeper Vishal Yadav to give Rajasthan a deserved 1-0 lead. Astray, one of the team’s most consistent performers throughout the tournament, demonstrated his composure and aerial prowess once again when it mattered most.
The I-League side’s confidence only grew after the opener. Their pressing midfield forced turnovers, while their pace on the wings stretched the Delhi backline. The second goal arrived in the 35th minute after another spell of sustained pressure. Astray, involved again, sent a clever cross-field ball from the left towards Alan Thapa. The winger controlled it brilliantly and squared it across the face of goal for Robinson Blandón, who calmly slotted home from close range his second goal in as many games.
By halftime, Rajasthan led 2-0 and appeared in complete control. The two-goal cushion not only reflected their dominance but also fuelled faint hopes of a big-margin victory that could have enhanced their chances of sneaking into the semifinals. Yet, as the game would later prove, the Super Cup had one more twist in store.
Sporting Club Delhi, still without a point in the group, emerged from the break with a renewed sense of purpose. Their attacking intent began to stretch Rajasthan’s backline, and the momentum slowly shifted. In the 61st minute, the breakthrough came when Spanish playmaker Andrei Alba played a delightful through ball for Sourav, who made a sharp diagonal run into the right channel before firing low past James Kithan. It was Delhi’s first goal from open play in the tournament a moment of joy that signaled their intent to fight till the end.
Rajasthan tried to regain control through midfield possession, with Astray dictating play and Thapa working tirelessly down the right. However, as the minutes ticked away, the I-League side’s intensity dipped and Delhi began to push higher up the pitch. Substitute Alan Saji became increasingly involved in the attack, combining well with Sourav and Devendra Murgaokar.
The match entered stoppage time with Rajasthan still clinging to their narrow lead. But in the 90+4th minute, heartbreak struck. A lofted ball into the box found Alan Saji, who showed excellent composure chesting the ball down amid defensive pressure and slotting it past a helpless Kithan to make it 2-2. The dramatic equaliser sparked wild celebrations in the Delhi camp, while Rajasthan’s players dropped to the ground in disbelief.
The draw meant Rajasthan United ended their group stage with four points from three matches following their 1-0 upset victory over Mumbai City FC, a narrow loss to Kerala Blasters, and this thrilling draw. However, the result effectively ended their hopes of qualifying for the semifinals, with Kerala Blasters remaining favourites to progress depending on the outcome of their final fixture against Mumbai City.
Despite the heartbreak, Rajasthan United’s campaign will be remembered for their spirit and style. The team, managed by Pushpender Kundu, consistently punched above its weight, taking on heavyweight ISL clubs and showcasing the depth of Indian football’s second tier. Their ability to maintain structure, press aggressively, and score against top-tier opponents reflected how far the club has come in recent years.
Sporting Club Delhi, meanwhile, finished at the bottom of Group D with a solitary point. Yet, their performance in the final game especially the determination shown in coming back from two goals down offered glimpses of promise for the future. Their youthful energy, resilience, and the creative link-up between Alba and Sourav gave fans something to cheer about in what was their debut Super Cup season.
For Rajasthan United, there was frustration at having come so close to advancing. But there was also pride. From Astray’s leadership and Blandón’s clinical finishing to Kithan’s consistent performances in goal, the team left Goa with heads held high. Their spirited run one win, one draw, and one narrow defeat captured the imagination of neutral fans and reaffirmed the competitiveness of I-League clubs in national competitions.
As the curtain falls on Rajasthan’s 2025–26 Super Cup journey, the side can take encouragement from their progress and look ahead to their league campaign. They may have missed out on a semifinal berth, but the heart and hunger displayed in Bambolim will serve as a foundation for greater achievements ahead.
Final Score: Rajasthan United 2 (Astray 22’, Blandón 35’) – Sporting Club Delhi 2 (Sourav 61’, Alan Saji 90+4’)
