FC Goa moves to third spot after 2-1 victory over Punjab FC

Panaji: In an thrilling encounter between the Gaurs and the Shers, FC Goa secured a 2-1 victory over Punjab FC in an exciting Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Wednesday. The win lifted FC Goa to third place in the standings, while Punjab FC remained in the same position with the same points, despite the loss.

The match saw plenty of action, starting with an early lead for Punjab FC. In the 13th minute, Bosnian forward Asmir Suljić gave his side the advantage. The goal came after a well-worked move from Punjab, with Nihal Sudhish delivering a low cross from the left wing. Captain Luka Majcen cleverly let the ball go through his legs, confusing the FC Goa defense. Punjab FC’s Amir Suljic running into the box, latched onto the ball and slotted it past FC Goa goalkeeper Hritik Tiwari into the bottom left corner.

However, FC Goa responded quickly, equalizing just nine minutes later. In the 22nd minute, Spanish striker Armando Sadiku scored to make it 1-1. The goal came from a beautifully timed through pass by Iker Guarrotxena, who found Sadiku in space on the right side of the box. Sadiku’s first-time shot with his right foot beat Punjab goalkeeper Ravi Kumar, drawing the game level.

The second half began with FC Goa taking control. In the 49th minute, Guarrotxena put his team ahead with a well-executed goal. The attack started with Serbian winger Dejan Dražić, whose shot inside the box was blocked by Kumar. However, the ball fell to Guarrotxena just in front of the goal, and the Spanish midfielder quickly fired the rebound into the net, despite a last-ditch effort by Punjab’s Nikhil Prabhu to clear the ball off the line.

The match saw both teams create several chances, but it was FC Goa who took the advantage with Guarrotxena’s second-half goal. The first half was more evenly contested, with Punjab having 58% possession but struggling to get more shots on target. They made three attempts, two of which were on target, with one resulting in a goal. FC Goa, with just 42% possession, had a more efficient approach, making nine attempts, three of which were on target, and one found the back of the net.

FC Goa’s victory pleased their Spanish head coach, Manolo Márquez, as they climbed to third place in the ISL table with 12 points from eight matches (three wins, three draws, and two losses). Punjab FC, under Greek head coach Panagiotis Dilampiris, remains in third place, also with 12 points but from only six matches, with four wins and two losses.

This win marked the third meeting between the two teams in ISL history. FC Goa now has two wins, while Punjab FC is still waiting for their first victory against the Gaurs, with one match having ended in a draw. FC Goa’s well-timed counter-attacks and clinical finishing proved decisive in securing all three points.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Punjab FC’s early lead (13th minute): Asmir Suljić opened the scoring with a composed finish after a smart low cross from Nihal Sudhish.

FC Goa’s quick equaliser (22nd minute): A well-timed through ball from Iker Guarrotxena found Armando Sadiku, who finished with precision to make it 1-1.

Possession stats: Punjab FC dominated possession with 58% ball control in the first half. However, this dominance didn’t translate into more shots on goal, as they only managed three attempts, two of which were on target, and one resulting in a goal.

FC Goa’s efficient attack: Despite having just 42% possession, FC Goa displayed a more clinical attacking approach, making the most of their chances.

Iker Guarrotxena’s impact: Guarrotxena played a pivotal role, assisting Sadiku’s equalizer and then scoring the match-winning goal in the 49th minute.

Armando Sadiku’s composure: Sadiku’s calm first-time shot in the 22nd minute showcased his poise under pressure, a key trait for any striker.

Goalkeeping performance: FC Goa’s Hritik Tiwari was less tested than Punjab’s Ravi Kumar, but his crucial saves in the first half helped keep the game level after Punjab’s early goal.

Counter-attacking football: FC Goa's ability to exploit counter-attacks, especially in the second half, was a standout feature. After equalizing, they quickly shifted gears and took control of the game, with fast transitions from defense to attack.