Fatorda
FC Goa showcased their Tiki Taka style of football, achieving a 3-0 win against Bengaluru FC in a thrilling match at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. The match marked the return of the exciting play that had been missing this season.
Armando Sadiku was the standout player, scoring the opening goal in the 62nd minute with a fantastic shot that left Bengaluru's goalkeeper, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, with no chance. Just ten minutes later, Brison added a second goal for FC Goa in the 72nd minute. Dejan Draviz capped off the night with a third goal in stoppage time at the 92nd minute, securing the comfortable 3-0 lead.
The most anticipated change was the return of defender Sandesh Jhingan, who made his comeback after a nine-month injury layoff, replacing Jay Gupta in defence.
Goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari made an impressive return to the Indian Super League, achieving a clean sheet in his second match. His remarkable saves not only surprised the Bengaluru players but also excited the 9,641 fans in attendance, who celebrated FC Goa's strong performance. Hrithik had previously played on March 6, 2022, in a 90-minute match against Kerala Blasters FC, which ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw.
With this win, Armando Sadiku remains the top scorer in the league, having netted 7 goals in just 6 matches for FC Goa.
For Bengaluru FC, this match highlighted areas for improvement as they look to bounce back. FC Goa's next challenge will be against Punjab FC on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at the same stadium in Fatorda.
Furthermore, FC Goa's coach, Manolo Marquez, spoke to The Goan after his team secured a convincing 3-0 win against Bengaluru FC at Fatorda. Marquez expressed his belief that his team deserved more points than they currently have in the league.
Reflecting on the match, he noted that the performance was solid and emphasized that they did not allow Bengaluru, a strong team, many chances to score. Marquez was pleased with his team's attacking play, stating that they have been scoring frequently and deserved the victory.
He also commented on the team's depth, mentioning the importance of squad rotation. Marquez welcomed back Sandesh and praised him saying as one of India's top center-backs and highlighted Hrithik's impressive performance, commending his calmness under pressure.
Looking ahead to their next match against Punjab FC, Marquez acknowledged the challenge posed by their opponents, who have been performing well this season. He appreciated Punjab's style of play and expressed confidence in their coach's abilities. With a short turnaround before the next game, he indicated that he might make changes to the lineup, considering the players' fatigue after the recent match.
