FC Goa and NorthEast United played out an exciting 1-1 draw at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa, a result which benefits both the teams with regard to the race for the playoffs. While Goa go one point closer to Atletico de Kolkata at the top, NorthEast United displaced Chennaiyin FC from fourth place.
Both teams started off brightly in the first half, but failed to find the back of the net. NorthEast looked the more dangerous side, thanks to Sanju Pradhan's exciting play on the right wing. They deserved to go into the lead in the 56th minute when a perfect corner from Simao found the head of the tall Victor Mendy.
However, once Pradhan was substituted, the momentum shifted. Goa's attack showed more bite with Leo Moura making some incisive passes. A well-deserved equaliser, which got the entire stadium roaring, arrived from Moura, who showed great vision to head his ball towards an incoming Reinaldo. The striker unleashed a powerful shot that went through the keeper's legs.
Both Goa and NorthEast kept attacking and could have easily got a second one. NorthEast's Velez actually did beat his marker to score, but was ruled offside, a decision which looked a tad harsh in replays.
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