Bengaluru FC’s unbeaten run in the 2024-25 Indian Super League came to an abrupt end as FC Goa inflicted a resounding 3-0 defeat on the Blues at the Fatorda Stadium on Saturday. Despite the setback, Bengaluru remains atop the standings with 16 points from seven matches, three points ahead of Mohun Bagan, which has played a game less.
FC Goa, on the other hand, breathed a sigh of relief with its second win in seven contests. The victory was orchestrated by a trio of second-half strikes from Armando Sadiku, Brison Fernandes, and Dejan Drazic.
Goa began the match as the aggressor, with Drazic’s creativity on the wings causing problems for Bengaluru’s defense. The hosts also threatened from set-pieces, but the Blues held firm to keep the tie goalless at the break.
However, the pressure eventually told on Bengaluru, which was forced to reshuffle its defense after Aleksandar Jovanovic was unable to continue. In the 63rd minute, Sadiku’s shot from Mohammad Yasir’s low cross took a couple of deflections before trickling past goalkeeper Gurpreet Sandhu.
Substitute Brison doubled Goa’s advantage with a deft chip from outside the box after Gurpreet was robbed off the ball by Sadiku inside the Bengaluru penalty area. Drazic netted Goa’s third in stoppage-time after latching onto Iker Guarrotxena’s chip.
The result marked Bengaluru’s first defeat of the season and highlighted the depth and quality of FC Goa’s squad. The Blues will look to bounce back in their next match, while Goa will aim to build on this momentum and climb up the standings.
