ISL 2025-26: FC Goa defeats NorthEast United 0-2 to climb second in standings FC Goa continued its strong run in the Indian Super League 2025-26, registering a 2-0 win over NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.
A first-half strike from Dejan Drazic and a stoppage-time goal from substitute Mohammed Yasir secured all three points for the Gaurs, who climbed to second place with 19 points from 10 matches. NorthEast United remained 12th with seven points. Captain Sandesh Jhingan, who delivered a commanding performance at the back, was named Player of the Match.
The Highlanders began brightly, with Redeem Tlang testing Hrithik Tiwari early with a long-range effort that was comfortably saved. Moments later, Brison Fernandes made a lively run down the left but failed to find a teammate inside the box. At the other end, Boris Singh went close twice from distance, but both efforts drifted wide.
NorthEast United looked threatening on the break, with Jithin MS nearly capitalising on a well-timed through ball from Lalrinzuala, only to be denied by a composed save from Tiwari.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Muhammed Nemil produced a lofted pass from deep to release Drazic. The forward held off pressure from fullback Mayakkannan before finishing with a right-footed strike into the bottom corner to give Goa the lead.
Drazic’s evening was cut short soon after as he was forced off with an injury and replaced by Abdul Rabeeh. The substitute made an immediate impact, linking up with Udanta Singh to create chances, including a close effort from Nemil that narrowly missed the target.
Goa continued to assert control, with Jhingan marshalling the defence and stepping up with key interceptions to nullify NorthEast’s attacks. The host had a few late first-half advances, but Goa’s backline held firm to take a 1-0 lead into the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Goa controlling possession while NorthEast searched for openings. Early pressure from Goa nearly produced a second goal when Nemil’s curling free-kick forced an excellent save from Gurmeet.
ALSO READ: Title aspirants Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City face off at Sree Kanteerava
NorthEast United showed greater urgency as the half progressed, with Jithin MS and substitute Parthib Gogoi combining well in attack, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Goa’s disciplined defence.
Despite a series of corners and attacking phases from the Highlanders, clear chances remained limited. Goa, meanwhile, continued to probe, with Rabeeh and Ayush Chhetri testing the defence without adding to the scoreline.
As NorthEast pushed for an equaliser, Goa sealed the result in stoppage time. Huidrom Thoi Singh initiated the move before Aakash Sangwan delivered a cross from the left. The ball fell to Yasir on the right, who controlled it before curling a left-footed effort into the top corner off the post.
FC Goa saw out the remaining minutes to secure the win.
Published on Apr 24, 2026
#ISL #Goa #defeats #NorthEast #United #climb #standings
FC Goa continued its strong run in the Indian Super League 2025-26, registering a 2-0 win over NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.
A first-half strike from Dejan Drazic and a stoppage-time goal from substitute Mohammed Yasir secured all three points for the Gaurs, who climbed to second place with 19 points from 10 matches. NorthEast United remained 12th with seven points. Captain Sandesh Jhingan, who delivered a commanding performance at the back, was named Player of the Match.
The Highlanders began brightly, with Redeem Tlang testing Hrithik Tiwari early with a long-range effort that was comfortably saved. Moments later, Brison Fernandes made a lively run down the left but failed to find a teammate inside the box. At the other end, Boris Singh went close twice from distance, but both efforts drifted wide.
NorthEast United looked threatening on the break, with Jithin MS nearly capitalising on a well-timed through ball from Lalrinzuala, only to be denied by a composed save from Tiwari.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Muhammed Nemil produced a lofted pass from deep to release Drazic. The forward held off pressure from fullback Mayakkannan before finishing with a right-footed strike into the bottom corner to give Goa the lead.
Drazic’s evening was cut short soon after as he was forced off with an injury and replaced by Abdul Rabeeh. The substitute made an immediate impact, linking up with Udanta Singh to create chances, including a close effort from Nemil that narrowly missed the target.
Goa continued to assert control, with Jhingan marshalling the defence and stepping up with key interceptions to nullify NorthEast’s attacks. The host had a few late first-half advances, but Goa’s backline held firm to take a 1-0 lead into the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Goa controlling possession while NorthEast searched for openings. Early pressure from Goa nearly produced a second goal when Nemil’s curling free-kick forced an excellent save from Gurmeet.
ALSO READ: Title aspirants Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City face off at Sree Kanteerava
NorthEast United showed greater urgency as the half progressed, with Jithin MS and substitute Parthib Gogoi combining well in attack, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Goa’s disciplined defence.
Despite a series of corners and attacking phases from the Highlanders, clear chances remained limited. Goa, meanwhile, continued to probe, with Rabeeh and Ayush Chhetri testing the defence without adding to the scoreline.
As NorthEast pushed for an equaliser, Goa sealed the result in stoppage time. Huidrom Thoi Singh initiated the move before Aakash Sangwan delivered a cross from the left. The ball fell to Yasir on the right, who controlled it before curling a left-footed effort into the top corner off the post.
FC Goa saw out the remaining minutes to secure the win.
Published on Apr 24, 2026
![Madrid Open 2026: Sinner advances as Shelton knocked out; Rybakina scrapes through Jannik Sinner took a first step towards a potential record fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title with a 6-7[6], 6-1, 6-4 victory over Benjamin Bonzi in the Madrid Open second round on Friday.The Italian world number one is looking to beat the record of four consecutive triumphs held by all-time greats Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal this week in the Spanish capital.Sinner dropped only one set on the way to trophies in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo, but Bonzi battled brilliantly to claim the first at the Manolo Santana stadium.The Frenchman survived five break points to reach a tie-break, where he also saved set point before edging ahead.However Sinner stepped up a gear in the second set, securing breaks in the fourth and sixth games, and another in the third on his way to the third round.“It was a tough match, I had some chances early on and I couldn’t use them, but this is tennis,” said four-time Grand Slam winner Sinner. “It’s not bad to start the tournament like this, two and a half hours on court, it gives me good feedback where we need to improve for the next round.“Of course, we need to improve, but I’m also happy, when you’re not playing your best tennis and win, it’s still a good result.”With Sinner’s biggest rival Carlos Alcaraz injured and unable to compete either this week or in the upcoming French Open, the Italian is overwhelming favourite for every competition he enters in the weeks ahead.Earlier, promising 20-year-old Prizmic, ranked 87th, secured his first-ever win over a top-10 player in a three-hour battle in the Spanish capital.American Shelton triumphed at the Munich Open on Sunday on clay but was unable to force a single break point on Prizmic’s serve.Italian Lorenzo Musetti, ranked ninth, defeated Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 7-6[4].Women’s number two Elena Rybakina scraped into the Madrid Open third round with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 win over Elena-Gabriela Ruse. Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina celebrates winning her round of 64 match against Romania’s Elena Gabriela
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina celebrates winning her round of 64 match against Romania’s Elena Gabriela
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Kazakhstan’s Rybakina, who won the Australian Open in January and triumphed at Stuttgart last week, struggled in the first set, making 24 unforced errors to just eight winners.After claiming a topsy-turvy second set, she came back from a break down in the third and sealed the victory on her third match point.Rybakina will meet Zheng Qinwen, who produced a similarly battling performance to overcome Sofia Kenin, in the third round.“Today, I basically survived,” said Rybakina after her hard-fought victory. “It wasn’t the greatest performance but Gabriela, she played very well. She was playing very deep and aggressive, so it was very difficult.“My serve was not really helping me today… but I’m really happy that I managed to win, and I hope I can bring better tennis next round.”Last year’s runner-up and the third seed Coco Gauff made light work of Leolia Jeanjean with a 6-3, 6-0 victory at the Arantxa Sanchez stadium.Gauff will take on Romanian Sorana Cirstea in the third round, after she defeated Tyra Caterina Grant in straight sets.Published on Apr 24, 2026 #Madrid #Open #Sinner #advances #Shelton #knocked #Rybakina #scrapes](https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/wsqh25/article70902824.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/2026-04-24T140355Z_1777741233_UP1EM4O132H4S_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-MADRID.JPG "Madrid Open 2026: Sinner advances as Shelton knocked out; Rybakina scrapes through Jannik Sinner took a first step towards a potential record fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title with a 6-7[6], 6-1, 6-4 victory over Benjamin Bonzi in the Madrid Open second round on Friday.The Italian world number one is looking to beat the record of four consecutive triumphs held by all-time greats Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal this week in the Spanish capital.Sinner dropped only one set on the way to trophies in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo, but Bonzi battled brilliantly to claim the first at the Manolo Santana stadium.The Frenchman survived five break points to reach a tie-break, where he also saved set point before edging ahead.However Sinner stepped up a gear in the second set, securing breaks in the fourth and sixth games, and another in the third on his way to the third round.“It was a tough match, I had some chances early on and I couldn’t use them, but this is tennis,” said four-time Grand Slam winner Sinner. “It’s not bad to start the tournament like this, two and a half hours on court, it gives me good feedback where we need to improve for the next round.“Of course, we need to improve, but I’m also happy, when you’re not playing your best tennis and win, it’s still a good result.”With Sinner’s biggest rival Carlos Alcaraz injured and unable to compete either this week or in the upcoming French Open, the Italian is overwhelming favourite for every competition he enters in the weeks ahead.Earlier, promising 20-year-old Prizmic, ranked 87th, secured his first-ever win over a top-10 player in a three-hour battle in the Spanish capital.American Shelton triumphed at the Munich Open on Sunday on clay but was unable to force a single break point on Prizmic’s serve.Italian Lorenzo Musetti, ranked ninth, defeated Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 7-6[4].Women’s number two Elena Rybakina scraped into the Madrid Open third round with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 win over Elena-Gabriela Ruse. Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina celebrates winning her round of 64 match against Romania’s Elena Gabriela
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina celebrates winning her round of 64 match against Romania’s Elena Gabriela
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Kazakhstan’s Rybakina, who won the Australian Open in January and triumphed at Stuttgart last week, struggled in the first set, making 24 unforced errors to just eight winners.After claiming a topsy-turvy second set, she came back from a break down in the third and sealed the victory on her third match point.Rybakina will meet Zheng Qinwen, who produced a similarly battling performance to overcome Sofia Kenin, in the third round.“Today, I basically survived,” said Rybakina after her hard-fought victory. “It wasn’t the greatest performance but Gabriela, she played very well. She was playing very deep and aggressive, so it was very difficult.“My serve was not really helping me today… but I’m really happy that I managed to win, and I hope I can bring better tennis next round.”Last year’s runner-up and the third seed Coco Gauff made light work of Leolia Jeanjean with a 6-3, 6-0 victory at the Arantxa Sanchez stadium.Gauff will take on Romanian Sorana Cirstea in the third round, after she defeated Tyra Caterina Grant in straight sets.Published on Apr 24, 2026 #Madrid #Open #Sinner #advances #Shelton #knocked #Rybakina #scrapes")
![Madrid Open 2026: Sinner advances as Shelton knocked out; Rybakina scrapes through Jannik Sinner took a first step towards a potential record fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title with a 6-7[6], 6-1, 6-4 victory over Benjamin Bonzi in the Madrid Open second round on Friday.The Italian world number one is looking to beat the record of four consecutive triumphs held by all-time greats Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal this week in the Spanish capital.Sinner dropped only one set on the way to trophies in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo, but Bonzi battled brilliantly to claim the first at the Manolo Santana stadium.The Frenchman survived five break points to reach a tie-break, where he also saved set point before edging ahead.However Sinner stepped up a gear in the second set, securing breaks in the fourth and sixth games, and another in the third on his way to the third round.“It was a tough match, I had some chances early on and I couldn’t use them, but this is tennis,” said four-time Grand Slam winner Sinner. “It’s not bad to start the tournament like this, two and a half hours on court, it gives me good feedback where we need to improve for the next round.“Of course, we need to improve, but I’m also happy, when you’re not playing your best tennis and win, it’s still a good result.”With Sinner’s biggest rival Carlos Alcaraz injured and unable to compete either this week or in the upcoming French Open, the Italian is overwhelming favourite for every competition he enters in the weeks ahead.Earlier, promising 20-year-old Prizmic, ranked 87th, secured his first-ever win over a top-10 player in a three-hour battle in the Spanish capital.American Shelton triumphed at the Munich Open on Sunday on clay but was unable to force a single break point on Prizmic’s serve.Italian Lorenzo Musetti, ranked ninth, defeated Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 7-6[4].Women’s number two Elena Rybakina scraped into the Madrid Open third round with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 win over Elena-Gabriela Ruse. Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina celebrates winning her round of 64 match against Romania’s Elena Gabriela
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina celebrates winning her round of 64 match against Romania’s Elena Gabriela
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Kazakhstan’s Rybakina, who won the Australian Open in January and triumphed at Stuttgart last week, struggled in the first set, making 24 unforced errors to just eight winners.After claiming a topsy-turvy second set, she came back from a break down in the third and sealed the victory on her third match point.Rybakina will meet Zheng Qinwen, who produced a similarly battling performance to overcome Sofia Kenin, in the third round.“Today, I basically survived,” said Rybakina after her hard-fought victory. “It wasn’t the greatest performance but Gabriela, she played very well. She was playing very deep and aggressive, so it was very difficult.“My serve was not really helping me today… but I’m really happy that I managed to win, and I hope I can bring better tennis next round.”Last year’s runner-up and the third seed Coco Gauff made light work of Leolia Jeanjean with a 6-3, 6-0 victory at the Arantxa Sanchez stadium.Gauff will take on Romanian Sorana Cirstea in the third round, after she defeated Tyra Caterina Grant in straight sets.Published on Apr 24, 2026 #Madrid #Open #Sinner #advances #Shelton #knocked #Rybakina #scrapes](https://i2.wp.com/ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/wsqh25/article70902824.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/2026-04-24T140355Z_1777741233_UP1EM4O132H4S_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-MADRID.JPG?ssl=1 "Madrid Open 2026: Sinner advances as Shelton knocked out; Rybakina scrapes through Jannik Sinner took a first step towards a potential record fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title with a 6-7[6], 6-1, 6-4 victory over Benjamin Bonzi in the Madrid Open second round on Friday.The Italian world number one is looking to beat the record of four consecutive triumphs held by all-time greats Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal this week in the Spanish capital.Sinner dropped only one set on the way to trophies in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo, but Bonzi battled brilliantly to claim the first at the Manolo Santana stadium.The Frenchman survived five break points to reach a tie-break, where he also saved set point before edging ahead.However Sinner stepped up a gear in the second set, securing breaks in the fourth and sixth games, and another in the third on his way to the third round.“It was a tough match, I had some chances early on and I couldn’t use them, but this is tennis,” said four-time Grand Slam winner Sinner. “It’s not bad to start the tournament like this, two and a half hours on court, it gives me good feedback where we need to improve for the next round.“Of course, we need to improve, but I’m also happy, when you’re not playing your best tennis and win, it’s still a good result.”With Sinner’s biggest rival Carlos Alcaraz injured and unable to compete either this week or in the upcoming French Open, the Italian is overwhelming favourite for every competition he enters in the weeks ahead.Earlier, promising 20-year-old Prizmic, ranked 87th, secured his first-ever win over a top-10 player in a three-hour battle in the Spanish capital.American Shelton triumphed at the Munich Open on Sunday on clay but was unable to force a single break point on Prizmic’s serve.Italian Lorenzo Musetti, ranked ninth, defeated Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 7-6[4].Women’s number two Elena Rybakina scraped into the Madrid Open third round with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 win over Elena-Gabriela Ruse. Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina celebrates winning her round of 64 match against Romania’s Elena Gabriela
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina celebrates winning her round of 64 match against Romania’s Elena Gabriela
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Kazakhstan’s Rybakina, who won the Australian Open in January and triumphed at Stuttgart last week, struggled in the first set, making 24 unforced errors to just eight winners.After claiming a topsy-turvy second set, she came back from a break down in the third and sealed the victory on her third match point.Rybakina will meet Zheng Qinwen, who produced a similarly battling performance to overcome Sofia Kenin, in the third round.“Today, I basically survived,” said Rybakina after her hard-fought victory. “It wasn’t the greatest performance but Gabriela, she played very well. She was playing very deep and aggressive, so it was very difficult.“My serve was not really helping me today… but I’m really happy that I managed to win, and I hope I can bring better tennis next round.”Last year’s runner-up and the third seed Coco Gauff made light work of Leolia Jeanjean with a 6-3, 6-0 victory at the Arantxa Sanchez stadium.Gauff will take on Romanian Sorana Cirstea in the third round, after she defeated Tyra Caterina Grant in straight sets.Published on Apr 24, 2026 #Madrid #Open #Sinner #advances #Shelton #knocked #Rybakina #scrapes")
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