ISL 2024-25: FC Goa Ends 13-Match Winless Streak Against Mumbai City FC with 3-1 Win

Mumbai, Feb 12 (NationPress) Iker Guarrotxena netted two goals while Borja Herrera added another as FC Goa triumphed over Mumbai City FC with a score of 3-1 in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Mumbai Football Arena on Wednesday, successfully ending their 13-match winless streak against the Islanders in the league.

This victory has bolstered the Gaurs’ position, allowing them to accumulate 39 points from 20 matches, including 11 wins and six draws. Guarrotxena's brace and Herrera's single goal were pivotal in securing this win, while Lallianzuala Chhangte converted a penalty for Mumbai City in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

Guarrotxena was a constant threat to the Mumbai City defence, scoring the opener with a remarkable effort in the 24th minute.

Receiving the ball at the edge of the 18-yard box, Guarrotxena skillfully maneuvered past the entire Mumbai City FC defence before finding a central position outside the penalty area and firing the ball into the bottom right corner to take the lead. He nearly added to his tally five minutes later when he attempted a header from a cross by Borja Herrera, but it was blocked just in time.

However, the Spanish forward extended the visitors' lead with support from Udanta Singh in the 41st minute. FC Goa's relentless attack continued as Guarrotxena positioned himself perfectly in the center of the box, capitalizing on Udanta's darting run down the right flank, which pulled the Mumbai City FC defenders out of position.

Udanta's precise cross found Guarrotxena, who slotted it into the bottom right corner effortlessly.

As the clock approached the hour mark, Jorge Ortiz provided a pass to Vikram from a challenging angle on the right. Vikram's hasty shot was on target but saved by Hrithik Tiwari. Shortly after, Herrera increased FC Goa's lead when he timed his run to perfection, capitalizing on a weak headed clearance by Mehtab Singh, finding himself unmarked to score in the 64th minute.

Ortiz attempted to spark a comeback for Mumbai City, sending a cross to Jon Toral only for Tiwari to save it in the top right corner, as the shot lacked the required finesse. A slick delivery from Toral found Lallianzuala Chhangte in the 78th minute, but the captain shot high and wide.

Manolo Marquez made strategic substitutions just before the 90th minute, bringing on Dejan Drazic, Seriton Fernandes, and Sahil Tavora for Herrera, Udanta, and Ayush Dev Chhetri.

FC Goa was well-prepared for injury time, but a foul by goalkeeper Tiwari resulted in a penalty for the Islanders. Chhangte successfully converted the penalty with a left-footed shot to the center of the net, providing a consolation goal for Mumbai City and denying FC Goa a clean sheet, but the Gaurs secured all three points.

FC Goa's next match is against Kerala Blasters FC on February 22, while Mumbai City FC will face Hyderabad FC on February 19.