Mumbai City FC vs FC Goa: Three key player battles that can decide Super Cup 2025 semi-final outcome

The Islanders stand in the way of Goa’s title defence.

Mumbai City FC is set to take on FC Goa in the second semi-final of the AIFF Super Cup 2025 on Thursday, 4th December 2025, at the JLN Stadium, Fatorda, in Goa. Kick-off is scheduled at 20:00 IST.

Both sides topped their groups to move into the knockout stages. While Goa will be looking to defend their title, replicating NorthEast’s exploits in the Durand Cup, Petr Kratky’s Islanders will be aiming for their first piece of silverware in a while. With the possibility of continental qualification hanging in the balance, it sets up an intriguing knockout fixture in Indian club football.

As both teams are strewn with several talented individuals all across the pitch, there’s a major possibility that the knockout fixture can be decided on moments of individual brilliance. Let’s take a look at three such player battles that could seal the fate of the encounter.

3. Vikram Pratap Singh vs Aakash Sangwan

Both Indian starlets have come under fire recently due to their subpar performances. While Akash Sangwan was suspect on several occasions in the AFC Champions League fixtures, Vikram Pratap was underwhelming for the Blue Tigers.

The semi-finals offer both players a chance to put on a strong performance and silence their critics. Both are known for their pace and energy, making this an interesting contest, especially if the game goes into extra time. Both Vikram and Akash will be assets for their sides when other players start tiring.

2. Dejan Drazic vs Tiri

Tiri, despite being the most capped foreign player in the league, has been disappointed in the last few seasons since he left Mohun Bagan. Dejan Drazic, on the other hand, has only played one season in India.

Watching the two clash on Thursday will truly be a sight to witness as both play intelligent football. Tiri has played for different managers with different playing styles, but that hasn’t affected his longevity in the league.

Drazic has been in solid form in the Super Cup, scoring twice and assisting once in 2 games. He’ll look to extend his tally against Mumbai City FC.

1. Iker Guarrotxena vs Jorge Ortiz

Two players similar in ability and position, Guarrotxena and Ortiz, may not face each other directly on the pitch, but they will certainly be in a mental battle.

Both players have had stints with the opposition side, which gives them knowledge of the opponents’ philosophy. Jorge Ortiz was a part of FC Goa from 2020 to 2022, whereas Guarrotxena briefly played for Mumbai in the second half of the 2023/24 season.

Both players hail from Spain and operate in the number 10/second striker position. Having the freedom to roam anywhere around the opposition areas, the two are perhaps the most important attacking members of their teams. The winner on Thursday could very well be decided by which of Ortiz or Iker sees more of the ball.

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