FC Goa rattle NorthEast United’s confidence heading into winter break

NorthEast United FC suffered major wounds to their confident string of performances as FC Goa turned on the music late in the second half to complete a 5-1 routing of the visitors. The Gaurs playing infront of their home crowd at the Fatorda Stadium had a positive start creating numerous chances but lacked the finishing. United tried to get into the game gaining some possession back but couldn't test the Goa shot stopper.

With the scoreline locked at 0-0 till the interval, both sides regained their battery levels for the second half. The visitors had a good spell of play and looked creative early on. Just before the hour mark, Goa managed to escape a clear handball appeal as the referee ruled it against NorthEast United. In immediate response, the home side managed to break the deadlock via Ferran Corominas who blasted home Jackichand Singh's delightful cross in the 59th minute.

This opened the floodgates for FC Goa as they made it 4-0 in very quick time, thanks to Edu Bedia, Hugo Boumas and Coro again. Ogbeche pulled one back for his side but FC Goa added a fifth goal via Miguel Palanca in injury time. With this FC Goa move to the third spot with 20 points in 11 matches ahead of 4th placed NEUFC.

 By Manas P. Kashyap

(Featured Image: The Indian Express)