Mumbai City kicked off their 2025–26 campaign in emphatic fashion by registering a convincing 4-1 win over SC Delhi in the opening match of Group D in the Super Cup, played at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa. The Islanders showcased their trademark attacking flair and composure in possession, setting the tone for the remaining matches.
Mumbai City started the game on the front foot, controlling possession and dictating the tempo early on. Their positive play was rewarded in the 7th minute as Jon Toral won a free kick on the right wing, which Captain Lallianzuala Chhangte swung towards the far post. The long ball was met by Tiri, whose header was directed towards goal and turned in by forward Jorge Pereyra Díaz, marking his return to the club with a goal.
The Islanders quickly doubled their advantage after a flowing move that began deep in defence, slicing through Delhi’s midfield. Toral was involved once again, threading a clever pass into the path of Vikram Partap Singh, who provided a stylish finish to make it 2-0 after just 9 minutes.
SC Delhi gradually found their rhythm, enjoying more spells of possession, but Mumbai City continued to threaten. In the 26th minute, Jorge Ortiz struck the post from the edge of the box after a swift attacking move.
Delhi came close to pulling one back through, after Vikram Partap Singh conceded a free kick, which was narrowly wide of Phurba Lachenpa’s post. However, Mumbai City restored their momentum at the 32-minute mark. Vikram beat his marker with a neat run on the left and delivered a low cross into the box, which the goalkeeper failed to collect cleanly, allowing Jorge Ortiz to pounce and make it 3-0 for the Islanders heading into half-time, after 2 minutes were added on.
The second half began in similar fashion, with Chhangte striking the post after a swift counterattack. Brandon Fernandes replaced Ortiz in the 63rd minute as the Islanders rotated their attack. Delhi grew more composed in possession as the half progressed and managed to pull one back when Dhruv Alva conceded a penalty, which was converted by Andrei Alba despite Phurba Lachenpa diving in the right direction.
Despite late pressure from SC Delhi, Mumbai City’s defence held firm, led by disciplined organisation at the back. Four minutes of added time were played at the end of the second half, extended slightly due to an injury scare for goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa. In the 90+6th minute, Vikram Partap Singh capped off a standout performance, bursting forward from the halfway line to receive a pinpoint lobbed pass from Brandon Fernandes, which he struck with conviction to make it 4-1 victory for the Mumbai City.
With a confident start to their Super Cup campaign, the Islanders will look to carry their momentum into their next Group D fixture against Rajasthan United on November 3, 2025.
