ISL 2025 Playoffs : Jamshedpur stun MBSG while Bangaluru FC beat FC Goa in 1st leg Semis clashes

 



The ISL 2024-25  playoffs are now being played on 2 legs after Mohunbagan SuperGiants have won the league - shield . Mohunbagan faced Jamshedpur FC & Bangaluru FC faced FC Goa in the 2 double legged semis . Jamshedpur stunned the league winners Mohunbagan by 2-1 through a late goal  while Bangaluru FC beat FC Goa by 2-0 in their 1st leg clash.  Here's below how the two matches panned out . 

Javi Hernandez’s Late Strike Seals First-Leg Victory for Jamshedpur FC Over Mohun Bagan SG

Javi Hernandez produced a moment of magic deep into injury time to hand Jamshedpur FC a dramatic 2-1 win over Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the first leg of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 semifinal, played at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Thursday.

The match started at a high tempo, with JFC asserting dominance early through aerial strength. Defender Stephen Eze showcased excellent awareness inside the box, nodding a measured header to Javier Siverio, who made no mistake in guiding the ball into the bottom right corner.

However, Mohun Bagan quickly responded with intent. A well-orchestrated move saw Greg Stewart pick out Alberto Rodriguez with a precise pass inside the area. The defender’s effort beat the keeper but crashed against the crossbar, denying the visitors an equaliser.

Their persistence paid off in the 37th minute, when Jason Cummings stepped up to take a free kick. The striker, known for his late-match impact, showed brilliant technique as he curled the ball into the top right corner with his left foot, levelling the score at 1-1.

The second half began with Mohun Bagan carrying the same momentum. In the 51st minute, Anirudh Thapa fed Stewart a delightful ball inside the left channel, but the former JFC man’s shot lacked conviction and was easily dealt with. Ten minutes later, another golden opportunity fell to Rodriguez from a teasing cross by Liston Colaco, but the finish was off-target.

Despite facing sustained pressure, JFC held their shape and waited for their chance on the break. That chance came in second-half stoppage time. A flowing move carved open the MBSG defence, with Ritwik Das slipping a clever pass to Javi Hernandez in space. The 35-year-old kept his cool and slotted home, sending the home crowd into raptures.

Hernandez, who also scored in the playoff from a Ritwik assist, once again proved to be the hero, giving JFC a narrow edge going into the second leg. The return fixture is set for April 7 at the Salt Lake Stadium, where Jamshedpur will aim to defend their lead and reach their maiden ISL Cup final.

Bengaluru FC Take Commanding Lead Against FC Goa

In the other semifinal, Bengaluru FC put in a clinical performance to defeat FC Goa 2-0 in the first leg at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Wednesday, in front of nearly 20,000 fans.

The home side broke the deadlock just before half-time when Sandesh Jhingan, under pressure from Ryan Williams at the near post, inadvertently headed the ball into his own net while trying to clear a cross.

Moments later, Williams had a chance to extend the lead after being released by Suresh Wangjam, but his tame finish was comfortably gathered by Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari.

The second half saw Bengaluru double their advantage. Williams, again involved, set up Namgyal Bhutia with a pinpoint pass. Bhutia sent in a low ball into the box, and Edgar Mendez was perfectly positioned to slot it into the side netting with a clean finish.

Goa, for all their possession, failed to create meaningful opportunities. Despite several crosses and half-chances, they lacked sharpness in the final third. Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu had a quiet night, barely tested by an underwhelming FCG frontline.

Bengaluru FC will now travel to Goa for the second leg on April 6, holding a solid advantage as they eye a place in the ISL final.



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