ISL 2024-25: FC Goa Aims to Overturn Two-Goal Deficit Against Bengaluru in Semifinal Second Leg
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Synopsis
FC Goa is poised to battle Bengaluru FC in the crucial second leg of their ISL 2024-25 semifinal on April 6, needing to overcome a two-goal deficit from the first leg. With a strong performance from their goalkeeper and a desire to break their playoff losing streak, the Gaurs are determined to reach the finals.
Key Takeaways
- FC Goa must overcome a two-goal deficit.
- Bengaluru FC has a strong playoff record.
- Hrithik Tiwari has been pivotal for FC Goa.
- Another shutout can help Bengaluru reach the final.
- Both teams have a rich history of competitive matches.
Fatorda (Goa), April 5 (NationPress) Facing a two-goal deficit, FC Goa is determined to turn the tide when they face off against Bengaluru FC in the second leg of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 semifinals at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on April 6. The Blues secured a convincing 2-0 win in their last encounter, and the Gaurs need to overcome this margin to secure a spot in the final.
Bengaluru FC has triumphed in their last two playoff matches without conceding a goal, presenting a formidable challenge for the team coached by Manolo Marquez.
However, the visitors have faced difficulties in their last two trips to Goa, including a scoreless draw in their most recent appearance. Should they fail to score in this match, FC Goa would become only the third team against whom the Blues have struggled to find the net in successive away games in the ISL.
Currently, FC Goa is on a three-match losing streak in the playoffs, matching their longest such streak in ISL history. A loss in this match would mark their worst performance in the knockout phases, a scenario they are eager to avoid.
Hrithik Tiwari has emerged as a key player for the Gaurs this season, achieving seven clean sheets. His 51 saves this season represent the highest for any FC Goa goalkeeper in a single ISL campaign.
With a strong defensive setup, another shutout could help Bengaluru FC extend their knockout stage winning streak to three matches, matching their best run from March 2019 to 2020, while firmly positioning them to reach the final.
After netting 47 goals this season, Bengaluru FC is just shy of becoming the fourth team in ISL history to break the 50-goal threshold in a single season, a milestone previously reached by FC Goa (2019-20), Mumbai City FC (2022-23), and Mohun Bagan Super Giant (2023-24).
The two teams have clashed 18 times in the ISL, with FC Goa winning five games and Bengaluru FC claiming eight victories; five matches have ended in draws.
FC Goa's head coach, Manolo Marquez, is optimistic about his team's chances of making it to the final. “The past and statistics are not important right now. We are confident that we can get into the finals,” he stated.
Bengaluru FC's head coach, Gerard Zaragoza, emphasized the need for bravery and a focus on scoring, declaring, “It’s important to be brave and to look to score, but the most important part is to win the game.”
