ISL 2024-25: FC Goa keeps title race alive with 2-0 win over Kerala Blasters

ISL 2024-25: FC Goa keeps title race alive with 2-0 win over Kerala Blasters

FC Goa defeated Kerala Blasters FC 2-0 in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 fixture at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa on Saturday to stay alive in the League Shield title race.

Spanish forward Iker Guarrotxena scored the first goal for Gaurs just after the break and the turned provider to set up Mohammad Yasir for the second.

The Gaurs were on the offensive right from the beginning, pushing numbers forward and creating chances from both open plays and set-pieces. One such situation following a corner resulted in Mohammad Yasir hurling in a cross for Carl McHugh at the centre of the box. The defensive midfielder did well to get to the end of the delivery but headed it wayward down the right side of the post in the 20th minute.

After a goalless first half, FC Goa stepped up on the pedal after the break. Dejan Drazic thumped in a thunderous effort that looked set to rattle the target but Kamaljit did well to palm the ball out of danger. However, the rebound fell kindly for Guarrotxena, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner to break the deadlock.

In the 73rd minute, Guarrotxena turned creator and set up Yasir with a brilliant bit of trickery to extend Gaurs’ lead.

The Spanish attacker completed 24 out of his 28 attempted passes, producing three goal-scoring opportunities, in addition to netting and assisting once each.

The win takes FCG to 42 points from 21 games, while Blasters dropped to tenth with 24 points.