FC Goa vs Kerala Blasters ISL Match
Image credits: News18
FC Goa has strengthened its hold on the second spot in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 points table with a 2-0 win over Kerala Blasters. The Gaurs, who were already qualified for the play-offs, extended their points tally to 42, making it difficult for other teams to catch up. The match saw impressive performances from Iker Guarrotxena and Mohammed Yasir, who scored the goals for FC Goa.
The Gaurs were on the offensive from the beginning, creating chances from both open plays and set-pieces. One such situation following a corner resulted in Mohammad Yasir hurling in a cross for Carl McHugh at the centre of the box. The defensive midfielder did well to get to the end of the delivery but headed it wayward down the right side of the post in the 20th minute. Guarrotxena unlocked the Kerala Blasters backline with a through ball that breached the defence immediately for Dejan Drazic in the middle of the 18-yard box. The FC Goa No. 8 adjusted his position to try and direct the ball into the net as he had got past the entire defensive third of the visitors.
FC Goa stepped up on the pedal in the second half, as they patiently built up an attack from the right flank by first circulating it back to their defence and then delivering Drazic a curling delivery at distance on the left wing. Drazic’s effort looked set to rattle the target but Kamaljit did well to palm the ball out of danger. However, his collection was not tidy, resulting in Guarrotxena capitalising upon the rebound and slotting the ball into the bottom right corner through his right foot to break the deadlock in the 46th minute. The Gaurs got a strong grip over the game thereafter as their entire attack flew fluidly from back to front thereafter, with excellent teamwork and strategy.
In the 73rd minute, McHugh sprinted ahead from a pocket of space down the middle before passing the ball to Aakash Sangwan at the edge of the box. Sangwan carried forward the endeavour, laying out a straightforward delivery for Guarrotxena deep inside the 18-yard zone. Guarrotxena abruptly squared up a pass for Yasir at very close range in the middle, who tapped the ball into the bottom right corner and doubled the lead for the Gaurs. The win has also extended Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s wait for the ISL title, as a loss for the Goan side would have automatically crowned the Mariners the League Winners. The Gaurs' consistent performance has made them a strong contender for the title.
The match scores are as follows:
- FC Goa: 2
- Kerala Blasters: 0
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