BFC in ISL final after defeating FC Goa
06-Apr-2025 11:22 PM 7791
Madgaon, Apr 6 (Reporter) Sunil Chhetri’s stoppage-time goal proved decisive as Bengaluru FC edged past FC Goa 3-2 on aggregate to book their place in the Indian Super League (ISL) final, despite going down 1-2 in the second leg of the semifinal at the Fatorda Stadium here on Sunday. The Blues had come into the return leg with a two-goal cushion and although the Gaurs managed to pull level on aggregate through goals from Borja Herrera and Armando Sadiku, Chhetri’s dramatic late header ensured Gerard Zaragoza’s men progressed to the final, where they will face the winner of the Jamshedpur FC versus Mohun Bagan tie on Saturday. Zaragoza made a solitary change to the eleven from the first leg, handing Jorge Pereyra Diaz a start in place of Ryan Williams. Goa, meanwhile, brought in Ayush Dev Chhetri and Dejan Drazic for Borja Herrera and Brison Fernandes. The hosts dominated early proceedings, with Iker Guarrotxena combining fluently with wingers Drazic and Udanta Singh. Goa kept possession and pressed high, while Drazic spurned two chances from close range. Bengaluru remained compact at the back and looked to counter through Diaz, Mendez and Sivasakthi. The Blues were forced into an early change when Lalremtluanga Fanai replaced the injured Suresh Wangjam around the half-hour mark. Goa also had to make a substitution, with Herrera coming on for Carl McHugh. Chances were limited in the first half, with Sivasakthi curling an effort narrowly wide for the visitors, while Gurpreet Singh Sandhu denied Udanta’s powerful attempt at the other end to keep the scores level at the break. Goa came out with intent after the restart and broke the deadlock through Borja Herrera, who bent in a delightful free-kick after Sivasakthi fouled Ayush at the edge of the area. Gurpreet continued to stand tall, making crucial saves to deny Drazic and Guarrotxena. Bengaluru introduced Aleksandar Jovanovic to tighten the defence, while Williams and Noguera came close to finding the equaliser for the Blues, with the latter drawing a sharp save from Goa custodian Hrithik Tiwari. Goa struck again in the dying minutes through Armando Sadiku, whose glancing header from Aakash Sangwan’s delivery brought the aggregate score to 2-2 and seemed to be sending the contest into extra time. However, with seconds left on the clock, Namgyal Bhutia’s pinpoint cross was met by Sunil Chhetri’s diving header, sending the travelling fans into raptures and sealing Bengaluru’s passage to their third ISL final...////...
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