ISL 2024-25: Marquez's Unbeaten Run Faces Challenge from Formidable Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru, Dec 13 (NationPress) The Sree Kanteerava Stadium is gearing up for an exciting showdown as Bengaluru FC faces off against FC Goa to initiate the Saturday double-header of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25. Both teams have experienced a positive trajectory this season, with Bengaluru FC securing 23 points from 11 matches, currently holding the second position on the table, while the Gaurs stand fifth with 18 points from 10 games.

The history of their rivalry is rich, highlighted by the fact that it was under the leadership of then-coach Sergio Lobera that FC Goa fell to Bengaluru FC in the finals at the Mumbai Football Arena in March 2019, allowing the Blues to seize the ISL title for the 2018-19 season, a feat that remains their only championship victory.

In that decisive match, Rahul Bheke scored a late goal to secure the win for Bengaluru, with Gerard Zaragoza serving as an assistant coach to Carles Cuadrat during their successful campaign. Now, with both Bheke and Zaragoza returning to the squad, they are pivotal in guiding the team back to their previous heights.

Facing them is an impressive FC Goa side, who have accumulated 13 points out of a possible 15 from their last five outings, while their head coach Manolo Marquez remains unbeaten in nine encounters against Bengaluru FC (W 6, D 3).

Bengaluru FC has been dominant at home, achieving five wins and one draw in their six home matches this season. Their five victories match the total home wins they achieved throughout the entire 2023-24 season. Additionally, they have gathered 16 points from these six home matches, marking the highest tally they have earned after this number of games in any ISL season.

The team started the season with an impressive streak, maintaining a clean sheet in their first five matches. However, they have since allowed goals in their next six games, conceding a total of 13 goals. The last time they endured a longer period without a clean sheet was an extended stretch of 11 games from February to December 2021, a trend that Zaragoza is eager to reverse.

FC Goa has triumphed in their last three matches against Bengaluru FC, including a significant 3-0 victory in the earlier encounter this season. In total, Bengaluru FC has only managed to earn a single point in their last five clashes with the Gaurs, a goalless draw in the 2023-24 season, which gives the Gaurs ample confidence heading into this match.

Throughout their history, the two teams have faced each other 16 times in the ISL, with Bengaluru FC winning 7 matches, while FC Goa has claimed 5, and 4 games ending in draws, averaging 2.81 goals per match.

Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza has urged fans to come out in full force for the game against FC Goa, reassuring them that the team has no fitness concerns. “We don’t have any fitness issues. I’m confident both teams will be prepared for the match. I want our supporters to fill the stands as they have been doing, and our players will ensure to create a vibrant atmosphere,” Zaragoza stated.

Meanwhile, FC Goa's coach Manolo Marquez commended his players for their ability to tackle various challenges in each match, leading to their recent impressive run. “Winning four consecutive matches in this competition is quite challenging. Each game has presented unique circumstances, and the players have executed their roles effectively,” Marquez remarked.