ISL 2024-25: Bangaluru FC withstand FC Goa fightback to reach final on Chhetri goal

 


Bengaluru FC secured their place in the Indian Super League (ISL) final, despite a 1–2 loss to FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium on Sunday. Thanks to their 3–2 aggregate lead over the two legs, they advanced to the final. The hero of the match was none other than Sunil Chhetri, who scored during extra time—once again proving why he is considered one of India’s finest strikers. Remarkably, Bengaluru managed just one shot on target throughout the match, and it was Chhetri's goal. Had it not been for some outstanding saves by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Bengaluru’s final hopes could have ended there.

Going into the match with a two-goal deficit was never going to be easy. Manolo Márquez’s Goa came out firing from the very first minute, launching relentless attacks into Bengaluru’s box. They dominated possession and kept up constant pressure, creating several chances, though none found the back of the net early on. Bengaluru's defense stayed alert and resilient, consistently thwarting Goa’s attempts.

Bengaluru opted for a counter-attacking strategy—soaking up pressure and looking to break quickly when given the chance. However, they too struggled to score. Goa came close when Udanta Singh nearly found the net, only for Gurpreet to dive to his left and pull off a spectacular save. He later denied Borja as well.

Goa finally broke the deadlock just after the break. Following a foul on Ayush Chhetri just outside the box, Borja stepped up and converted the free-kick, beating Gurpreet with a superb strike. That goal only fueled Goa’s hunger. They kept pushing forward, and Dejan Drazic even found the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

In the 70th minute, Gurpreet once again saved Bengaluru with back-to-back stops—first blocking a shot from Iker Guarrotxena after a pass from Udanta, and then denying Ayush Chhetri on the rebound.

Shortly before full-time, Armando Sadiku scored Goa’s second goal, heading in an Akash Sangwan cross from the right to level the aggregate score. However, his celebration took an unsportsmanlike turn as he was seen making obscene gestures—an act that might result in disciplinary action.

But Sadiku’s joy was short-lived. While pushing forward, Goa made a critical defensive error. One of their players attempted a back pass inside the box, with no teammate there to receive it. Namgyal Bhutia pounced on the loose ball and floated a cross into the area. An unmarked Sunil Chhetri rose to the occasion and headed the ball in, sealing Bengaluru’s spot in the final.



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