MARGAO, OCT 28 (AGENCIES): Alex Vallejo struck deep into stoppage time to rescue FC Goa from defeat as they held Sporting Club Delhi to a 1-1 draw in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday.
Returning to home soil after their exit from the AFC Challenge League, FC Goa began the match on the front foot, creating several opportunities in the first half. The hosts registered six shots compared to just one from SC Delhi but failed to convert their dominance into a goal.
SC Delhi, however, came out with greater attacking intent after the interval and broke the deadlock six minutes into the second half.
The breakthrough came following a defensive error from Udanta Singh, whose poor back pass was intercepted by Rodriguinho. The Brazilian advanced towards the Goa goal before laying the ball to his right for Juan Peña, who finished confidently past Vallejo and goalkeeper Bob Raj to give SC Delhi a 1-0 lead.
The goal shifted the momentum in favour of the visitors, who defended their advantage as the match entered its closing stages. With time running out, SC Delhi appeared poised to secure all three points, having kept the hosts at bay for most of the second half.
However, FC Goa found a dramatic equaliser in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time.
Franchu delivered a free-kick into the penalty area, where a slight deflection off Tomba Singh caused the ball to fall kindly for Vallejo. The defender made no mistake with his finish, sending the ball into the net to spark celebrations among the home supporters and deny SC Delhi a late victory.
The equaliser proved particularly significant for Vallejo, who had been involved in the defensive action leading to SC Delhi’s goal and redeemed himself with the crucial late strike.
FC Goa’s inability to capitalise on their first-half superiority had threatened to leave them empty-handed, but their persistence in the closing minutes ensured they salvaged a point from the contest.
The result leaves both sides with points to take into their upcoming fixtures as the ISL 2026-27 campaign continues.
FC Goa will next face bottom-placed Inter Kashi on November 1, looking to build on the late comeback and secure a victory. SC Delhi, meanwhile, will travel to Mumbai to take on Mumbai City FC, who are dealing with injury concerns and are now managed by Manolo Marquez, formerly associated with SC Delhi when the club competed as Hyderabad FC.
Wednesday’s encounter highlighted FC Goa’s resilience, while SC Delhi will rue their inability to protect the lead until the final whistle.
