Mumbai City FC were defeated in a home fixture at Mumbai Football Arena, going down 0-3 to NorthEast United FC. Despite conceding an early goal, a stellar penalty save from goalkeeper Rehenesh kept the Islanders' hopes alive until the final ten minutes. However, a late surge from NorthEast United FC sealed the victory.
The Islanders were stunned in the very first minute when Alaaeddine Ajaraie latched onto Parthib Gogoi's cross and slotted it into the net. Looking to get back into the game, Lallianzuala Chhangte floated a precise ball into the box for Nikolaos Karelis in the 11th minute, but NorthEast United FC’s goalkeeper, Gurmeet, was quick to intercept and avert the danger.
Undeterred, Mumbai City FC continued to dominate possession and in the 20th minute, Nikolaos Karelis regained possession high up the pitch and delivered a sharp cross into the box for Vikram, who came agonisingly close to connecting with a header. The Islanders were dealt another blow in the 25th minute when they conceded a penalty. However, goalkeeper Rehenesh produced a sensational save to deny Alaaeddine Ajaraie, keeping Mumbai City FC’s hopes alive.
As the second half unfolded, Mumbai City FC continued to hold possession, creating numerous chances, but the equaliser remained elusive. In the 63rd minute, Mumbai City FC made their first substitution, with Bipin Singh coming on to replace Vikram Partap Singh. Bipin immediately made an impact, winning a corner in the 65th minute, which Karelis rose to meet. Unfortunately, his header flew over the crossbar.
Yoell Van Nieff then tested the NorthEast United FC defence when he cut onto his left foot in the 69th minute and aimed for the top corner. However, the goalkeeper was quick to react and managed to get a hand to it, keeping the scoreline intact. Mumbai City FC made a double substitution in the 71st minute, with Ayush Chhikara replacing Nikolaos Karelis and Noufal PN coming on for Jayesh Rane.
As the match entered its final stages, NorthEast United FC doubled their lead in the 83rd minute, with Alaaeddine Ajaraie scoring his second of the night. Shortly after, Macarton Nickson added a third to seal the victory for NorthEast United FC. In the dying moments of the match, a double substitution saw Franklin and Hitesh come on to replace Van Nieff and Brandon.
At full time, the scoreline read 0-3 in favour of NorthEast United FC.
Mumbai City FC will return to action on 6th January, when they take on East Bengal FC in an away fixture.
