Kolkata, December 7: On a dramatic night at Fatorda, defending champions FC Goa etched their name deeper into Indian football history, defeating East Bengal FC 6-5 on penalties after a tense 0-0 draw to lift their record-extending third Super Cup title, and become the first team ever to defend the crown.

The match started with high energy. In the 3rd minute, Borja’s corner found Siverio, but his header lacked power and Sibile cleared it away. East Bengal answered with strong defending, and in the 12th minute Anwar Ali made a key interception to stop Siverio from scoring.

East Bengal grew into the game. In the 20th minute, Gill’s long kick found Hiroshi, who set up Bipin on the left. Bipin crossed for Mahesh, but the winger ran ahead of the ball and missed a good chance, allowing Goa keeper Hrithik to collect comfortably.

Goa suffered a blow in the 25th minute when Ronney went down injured. Marquez made a double change, bringing in Nim and Udanta, as Borish conceded an early yellow card. Before half-time, Bipin again created danger for the Red And Gold, but Mahesh’s volley went into the ground and made an easy save for Hrithik.

Goa started the second half strongly. In the 51st minute, Brison broke into the box and set up Borja twice, but both his efforts missed the target. East Bengal replied in the 63rd minute when Miguel’s clever backheel released Bipin, whose perfect cross found Hiroshi. But his weak header was easily caught by Hrithik.

The closest Red & Gold came was in the 74th minute. Vishnu PV got a through ball, poked it goalward, and Hrithik spilled it, but the Goa keeper recovered just in time to scoop it off the line. Three minutes later, Gill made a strong save to stop Brison’s powerful near-post shot from the right edge corner of the box.

After more than 35 chances combined, neither side could score in normal or extra time.The match went to penalties.

THE PENALTIES – PURE DRAMA AT FATORDA

The shootout began with huge tension.

Sibille scored first for EBFC.
Borja stepped up for Goa, and hit the crossbar. Early advantage to East Bengal.
EBFC captain Crespo calmly made it 2-0.
Siverio finally put Goa on the board.

The pressure kept climbing.

Miguel scored to keep EBFC ahead.
Drazic answered for Goa.
Then came a twist, Rashid blasted his penalty over the bar, letting Goa back in.
Nemil stepped up and scored to level things.

The shootout was now neck and neck.