BENGALURU
FC Goa’s winning run in the Indian Super League 2024-25 came to an end after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday evening. Despite a strong start and a 2-0 lead, Goa was unable to hold off a late Bengaluru comeback, although the result extended their unbeaten streak to six matches.
The match started with FC Goa taking an early initiative. In the 7th minute, Goa was awarded a free-kick, and Dejan Drazic delivered a well-taken ball into the box. Sandesh Jhingan, rising above the Bengaluru defenders, made a clinical header that hit the far post before bouncing into the net. The goal gave Goa a 1-0 lead, and Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was left with no chance.
Bengaluru FC responded quickly, gaining control of the game. Sunil Chhetri, always a threat, tested Goa’s goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari with a powerful shot from outside the box in the 14th minute. Tiwari, who was in excellent form, made a crucial diving save to deny Chhetri, keeping Goa’s lead intact.
Bengaluru continued to press. In the 28th minute, a clever pass from midfielder Suresh Singh found Edgar Mendez, whose shot from outside the box was saved again by Tiwari. The Blues had several attempts, with Ryan Williams also testing Tiwari with a long-range shot. However, Goa's defence and Tiwari’s performances kept Bengaluru from scoring in the first half.
The second half saw FC Goa double their lead in the 66th minute. Bengaluru defender Naorem Roshan made a poor clearance, allowing Sahil Tavora to pounce on the loose ball. Tavora then curled a stunning shot into the top right corner, leaving Gurpreet with no chance. The goal gave Goa a 2-0 lead, and it looked like they were on track for all three points.
However, Bengaluru FC mounted a strong comeback. In the 72nd minute, Ryan Williams pulled one back for the hosts, beating his marker and finishing confidently past Tiwari. The goal gave Bengaluru renewed belief, and they continued to push forward.
Bengaluru finally equalized in the 83rd minute. Jorge Pereyra Diaz started the move, linking up with Williams, whose shot from inside the box hit the post. The ball fell to Roshan Singh, who crossed it back into the middle for Diaz to score, leveling the score at 2-2.
In the final minutes, Goa had a chance to snatch a winner. Mohammad Yasir’s shot in the 87th minute was saved by Gurpreet, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw, with both teams sharing the spoils.
Highlights & takeaways from FCGoa’s performance
Defensive mistakes: Goa's defense was solid in the first half but made key errors in the second. Roshan’s mistake led to the second goal, and they couldn’t handle Bengaluru’s attacks late in the game.
Failed to control the game: After going 2-0 up, Goa struggled to manage possession and control the game, which allowed Bengaluru to mount a comeback.
Strong goalkeeping but defensive issues: Tiwari made several crucial saves, but the defense couldn't hold up against Bengaluru’s pressure in the second half.
Attacking threats: Goa was sharp in attack, especially in the first half, with Drazic and Tavora creating chances. Tavora’s brilliant goal was a highlight, but they lacked the killer instinct to seal the game.
Match pack
- Possession: Bengaluru FC 59.6% - FC Goa 40.4%
- Shots on target: Bengaluru FC 5 - FC Goa 3
- Shots off target: Bengaluru FC 6 - FC Goa 2
- Crosses: Bengaluru FC 28 - FC Goa 12
- Corners: Bengaluru FC 6 - FC Goa 3
- Fouls: Bengaluru FC 14 - FC Goa 10
- Yellow cards: Bengaluru FC 3 - FC Goa 3
