ISL 2024-25: Bengaluru FC and FC Goa Aim for Semifinal Edge

Synopsis

Bengaluru FC and FC Goa are set to clash in the first leg of their semifinal match in the Indian Super League 2024-25 at Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Both teams aim to secure an advantage as they vie for a spot in the finals, with Bengaluru FC looking to maintain their strong home record.

Key Takeaways

Bengaluru FC hosts FC Goa in the ISL semifinals.
The Blues won their previous playoff match 5-0 against Mumbai City FC.
FC Goa is unbeaten in their last four matches against Bengaluru FC.
Bengaluru FC has a solid home record against FC Goa.
Coaches express excitement for the competitive semifinal matchup.

Bengaluru, April 1 (NationPress) Bengaluru FC will welcome FC Goa to the Sree Kanteerava Stadium for the first leg of their semifinal clash in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Wednesday.

The Blues advanced to this stage following a resounding 5-0 victory against Mumbai City FC in the one-legged knockout, while the Gaurs secured their spot by finishing second in the standings with 48 points from their 24 league matches.

FC Goa, however, has maintained an unbeaten streak against Bengaluru FC over their last four encounters, with two wins and two draws. Their previous playoff meeting with the Blues ended in a narrow 0-1 defeat during the final of ISL 2018-19.

On the other hand, Bengaluru FC holds a strong record at home against FC Goa, remaining unbeaten in their last six matchups, winning four times. The last two encounters at this venue resulted in draws, and the Gaurs will be eager to change that narrative, especially since only Kerala Blasters FC and NorthEast United FC have played more matches here without tasting victory (seven each).

Bengaluru FC has remained unbeaten in their last two playoff games (W1 D1). Their longest streak in the playoffs was between March 2019 and 2020, achieving three consecutive wins while keeping clean sheets.

Head coach Gerard Zaragoza celebrated his first playoff victory in ISL following the 5-0 triumph over Mumbai City FC. Should his team win this match, he will join an exclusive group of coaches to win both of their first two playoff matches in ISL, following Simon Grayson (March 2023) and Petr Kratky (April 2024).

FC Goa has faced defeats in their last two playoff matches, both against Mumbai City FC in April 2024. Their only longer losing streak at this stage was between March 2019 and February 2020, with three consecutive losses.

Historically, FC Goa has netted 22 goals in ISL playoffs, tying with Bengaluru FC for the second-highest tally, trailing only Chennaiyin FC (25). Additionally, they lead in semifinal scoring with 18 goals.

In their 17 meetings in ISL history, FC Goa has secured five victories, while Bengaluru FC has triumphed in seven, with five matches ending in a draw.

Bengaluru FC's head coach Gerard Zaragoza emphasized the competitive nature of the semifinals, stating, “I’m looking forward to it. I came here to the club to win trophies, and we have three really good other teams involved in the semifinals too.”

FC Goa's head coach Manolo Marquez expressed his enthusiasm about the prospect of leading the team to their first-ever ISL Cup victory, saying, “I'm very excited. I want to help FC Goa win the ISL Cup for the first time.”