ISL 2024-25: Bengaluru FC Stages Late Rally to Secure Draw Against FC Goa
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Bengaluru, Dec 14 (NationPress) Former champions Bengaluru FC staged a late comeback to secure a point after a 2-2 draw against FC Goa in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday. The Blues have thus extended their unbeaten streak on home turf to seven matches this season, winning five games and drawing two.
In the opening 10 minutes, FC Goa sought to dictate the match's tempo. They pressed aggressively, regained possession, and earned set-pieces to implement their strategy effectively. A significant moment occurred in the seventh minute when Dejan Drazic delivered a looping free-kick from the right side. Sandesh Jhingan, amidst several Bengaluru players, displayed remarkable aerial prowess to leap and direct the ball into the bottom left corner from the center of the box, breaking the deadlock.
Nevertheless, Bengaluru FC soon took charge of the game, orchestrating their attacks with skill. The Blues’ offensive efforts were led by Sunil Chhetri, who, brimming with confidence, attempted an ambitious long-range shot in the 14th minute. The shot's accuracy was commendable, heading straight for the bottom left corner, but it was thwarted by FC Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari.
The partnership between Ryan Williams and Chhetri has flourished this season, with Williams frequently delivering timely crosses that Chhetri meets inside the box. An equalizing chance arose in the 56th minute, as Chhetri headed a similar cross from Williams, narrowly missing the target.
Interestingly, despite Bengaluru FC’s persistent attempts to challenge FC Goa from distance, it was Sahil Tavora who scored from outside the box in the 66th minute, doubling the Gaurs’ lead. His exquisite strike found the top right corner, catching the Bengaluru FC defense by surprise. This goal resulted from a brief moment where the visitors created opportunities against the flow of play.
The Blues responded swiftly, as Williams reduced the deficit in the 71st minute with a superb finish from a through ball by Vinith Venkatesh, who had substituted Harsh Patre in the 57th minute. Venkatesh made a significant impact, slicing through the FC Goa defense with a perfectly weighted pass to Williams, who netted it in the center of the goal.
Jorge Pereyra Diaz also entered the fray for Bengaluru FC in the 57th minute, taking the place of Méndez. His arrival injected additional vigor into the final third for the home team, resulting in a goal when he converted a timely pass from Roshan Singh in the 83rd minute, leveling the scores. Positioned centrally in the FC Goa box, Diaz made no mistake in finishing the chance, highlighting Bengaluru FC’s impressive squad depth.
