Bambolin (Goa), Jan 15 (IANS): NorthEast United FC played out a 1-1 draw with FC Goa in the 2021-22 Indian Super League (ISL) at the Athletic Stadium, here on Friday.

Hernan Santana's delightful free-kick in the second minute of the game failed to hand NorthEast United FC a win as Airan Cabrera's goal in the 39th minute helped Goa to draw the match.

There were no goals in the second half, meaning Goa moved up a rung to eighth place with 13 points from 11 games while NorthEast United remained 10th with nine points from 11 games.

NorthEast United were off to a flying start courtesy of Santana's individual brilliance. The 31-year-old Spaniard curled in a delectable free-kick at the near post, leaving Dheeraj Moirangthem with no chance as the ball pinged in off the crossbar.

It was a frantic start to the game and just the early push NorthEast United needed. Goa tried to settle down by playing more passes in midfield but NorthEast were not ready to rest on the slender lead as Deshorn Brown missed the target after beating two defenders.

Goa relied on the excellent Jorge Ortiz to deliver the goods and the Spaniard got past Provat Lakra to send a teasing ball inside the box but Mirshad Michu was alert to avert the danger at the right time. NorthEast looked in fine touch when Brown and Suhair Vadakkepeedika combined for the latter to see his effort deflect off a few Goa shirts for a corner.

In the second period, Goa looked the more threatening side with Ortiz and Cabrera combining brilliantly to keep NorthEast United defence on tenterhooks. There were chances few and far between for the Highlanders but Goa could not make the most of their attacking display as they had to share the spoils in the end with their rivals.