When the talking stopped, Northeast United started. Fired up and produced a spirited display and foiled Goa’s decision to draw in on the Indian Super League summit.
Romario’s goal and an own goal from Gurjinder reflected on the scoresheet for the visitors and Federico Gallego’s two penalties helped Northeast United comeback from behind to salvage a point against the Gaurs.
The game started at a frantic pace with Northeast United playing a high pressing game. But, it took some time for the possession stat to settle and as expected it favoured FC Goa.
The Gaurs took the game under their control and were the first one to break the deadlock. Ortiz’s brilliant run from the left flank left Northeast United’s defense presuming the ball went out of okay and a lapse in concentration saw Jesuraj score his first ever Hero ISL goal in the 21st minute.
After conceding, the Highlanders’ attitude towards the game took a different shape with Federico Gallego running the show. They came close to equalise when Deshorn Brown’s urging run forced Dheeraj to make a mistake but the Indian international got lucky as the ball went wide of the goal taking a deflection from Brown.
Federico Gallego’s mouth watering pass Deshorn Brown who’s dribbled the ball ever so well into the box but yet again FC Goa’s custodian cleared the danger. The resulting corner saw a bit of gamble inside the box it was VP Suhair’s attempt on goal that was cleared off the line by Glan Martins.
Northeast United kept on knocking at the door for the equaliser and were finally rewarded a spot kick when Noguera brought down Luis Machado and referee to the spot. Gallego stepped up to smash the equaliser in the 41st minute and restored parity for the home side.
Khalid Jamil’s side were the first one to create a chance in the second half when Gallego’s flick-on found Deshorn Brown but his super effort missed the target. The Jamaican international had the chance to put his side up front in the 65th minute but his header was nothing to worry for Dheeraj. Yet again, Federico Gallego brought into Action with a direct free-kick and the keeper came out of his line to clear the danger.
The ball was mostly played in FC Goa’s half and attacking was not an available option for the Gaurs. But, Jorge Ortiz Mendoza’s corner resulted in an own goal by Gurjinder and FC Goa were back into the lead but not for too long.
Federico Gallego played a ball between two defender for Ashutosh Mehta in the penalty box and Ivan Gonzalez’s heavy challenge on Ashutosh forced the referee to giveaway another penalty go Northeast United. Northeast United’s number 10 made no mistake in getting his name on the scoresheet for the second time and brought things back on level terms.
The Gaurs had another chance to score their third goal but Ortiz’s shot found the crossbar. Both the sides tried their best to get the winner but it never came and honours were shared.
Hero of the Match – Federico Gallego
The perfect rating of 10 for the Highlanders’ talisman. Ten Uruguayan was on a different level in creating chances and troubling FC Goa’s backline and even got his name on the scoresheet twice.
