ISL 2024-25: FC Goa Secures Second Place with 2-0 Victory Over Kerala Blasters

Synopsis

On February 22, FC Goa secured a 2-0 victory against Kerala Blasters FC in the ISL 2024-25, cementing their second place with 42 points. Iker Guarrotxena's performance was pivotal as he scored and assisted, maintaining pressure on Mohun Bagan Super Giant for the title.

Key Takeaways

FC Goa's victory solidifies their second place in ISL.
Iker Guarrotxena reached 20 goals in ISL.
The Gaurs extended Mohun Bagan's title wait.
Kamaljit Singh made crucial saves for Kerala Blasters.
FC Goa displayed strong offensive strategies throughout the match.

Margao (Goa), Feb 22 (NationPress) FC Goa triumphed over Kerala Blasters FC with a score of 2-0 during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday. This victory propelled the Gaurs to 42 points, solidifying their grip on the second position in the points table.

On a remarkable evening where Iker Guarrotxena became the fifth Spaniard to net 20 goals in the ISL, the Gaurs prolonged Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s wait for the ISL title. A defeat for the Gaurs on this night would have crowned the Mariners as the League Winners. Now, the Jose Molina-led squad aims for a win against Odisha FC on Sunday to accomplish that.

The Gaurs initiated the game with a vigorous offensive strategy, pushing players forward and creating opportunities from both open play and set pieces. A corner kick led to Mohammad Yasir sending a cross to Carl McHugh in the box. The defensive midfielder attempted a header but directed it wide right of the post in the 20th minute.

Guarrotxena demonstrated exceptional intelligence to penetrate the Kerala Blasters FC defense with a precise through ball aimed at Dejan Drazic in the 18-yard area. The FC Goa No. 8 adjusted to direct the ball towards the net after bypassing the visitors' defense. However, Kamaljit Singh showcased quick reflexes, making a save in the bottom left corner in the 38th minute.

In the second half, FC Goa escalated their efforts, building an attack patiently from the right side. They circulated the ball back to their defense before sending a curling pass to Drazic on the left. Drazic unleashed a powerful shot intended for the goal, but Kamaljit managed to deflect it. Unfortunately for him, his clearance was not clean, allowing Guarrotxena to seize the rebound and slot it into the bottom right corner, breaking the deadlock in the 46th minute.

Following that goal, the Gaurs gained a commanding hold on the match, transitioning smoothly from defense to attack. In the 73rd minute, McHugh surged forward from the center and laid the ball off to Aakash Sangwan at the edge of the box. Sangwan effectively set up Guarrotxena inside the 18-yard area, who then squared a pass to Yasir, who tapped it into the bottom right corner, doubling the Gaurs' lead.

McHugh played a crucial role in orchestrating offensive plays, even sending a quick pass to Brison Fernandes outside the box in the 79th minute. Fernandes aimed for the top corner, but the ball sailed over the post. The FC Goa defense remained steadfast, managing possession and stretching the Kerala Blasters FC defense with lateral passes to comfortably secure a clean sheet and all three points.