FC Goa solidified their claim for the Indian Super League (ISL) title with a convincing 2-0 win over Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa, on February 22, 2025. This victory not only reinforced Goa's position at the second spot on the points table but also momentarily delayed Mohun Bagan Super Giant's anticipated championship celebration.
From the outset, FC Goa displayed their intent, recognizing the stakes surrounding the match. The Gaurs, aiming for consistent dominance, came to the field ready to claim all three points. With their squad intact, they sought to push boundaries against Kerala Blasters, who were struggling for form.
The first half, though cautiously began, saw little action from either side. Both teams hesitated to take risks, resulting in minimal goal-scoring opportunities. It wasn't until the 16th minute when Goa earned their first corner, which Carl McHugh nearly turned to gold, only to see his header drift wide. Despite enjoying more possession, Goa struggled to break through the well-organized Blasters defense.
Kerala Blasters, who had reason to be cautious, employed their own strategies to keep FC Goa at bay. Yet, as the first half ticked away, it was evident both teams entered the break without finding their rhythm. The halftime whistle brought relief from the tension, as the score remained goalless.
The second half proved to be the turning point. Just one minute after the restart, Goa surged forward, driven by newfound energy. Dejan Drazic's long-range effort was parried by the Kerala goalkeeper, Kamaljit Singh, falling fortuitously to Iker Guarrotxena, who capitalized on the rebound to score the opening goal. This moment ignited the home crowd, which rallied behind their side.
Buoyed by their lead, FC Goa went on the attack, applying pressure on the visitors. The momentum shifted fully when, in the 73rd minute, Mohammed Yasir doubled the advantage, expertly converting Guarrotxena's assist with skill and poise. The two goals marked another effective offensive display for Goa, showcasing their clinical finishing—a stark difference from Kerala's struggles.
Defensively, FC Goa excelled. The backline, led by Prateek Kumar Singh and Odei Onaindia, refused to yield, limiting Kerala to just one shot on target throughout the match. While FC Goa created six shots on goal, Kerala's inability to capitalize on their few chances reflected their broader struggles this season.
The victory not only served as a morale boost for FC Goa but also added pressure to Mohun Bagan, whose championship dreams hinged on other teams' results. A loss for the Gaurs would have automatically crowned Mohun Bagan as the league winners, but now they must secure their title against Odisha FC.
Despite the palpable pressure, Iker Guarrotxena shone brightly, becoming the fifth Spanish player to net 20 or more goals in ISL history. His performance has reflected both his talent and the strategic acumen of coach Jose Molina, who was pleased with the outcome yet noted areas for improvement. “The win keeps our hopes alive. We need to maintain this momentum moving forward,” he emphasized post-game.
Kerala Blasters, on the other hand, face yet another setback. They have struggled with offensive consistency, illustrated by their inability to convert chances throughout the match. Interim coach TG Purushothaman acknowledged the challenges, stating, “We created opportunities but failed to finish. We need to adapt to improve.”
Looking forward, FC Goa will seek to extend their form when they face Punjab FC on February 27, crafting strategies to address their inconsistencies. Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters must regroup, taking on Jamshedpur FC on March 1, as their quest for redemption continues.
With this latest result, FC Goa is not only reinforcing their strong home record against Kerala Blasters but has also established themselves as serious contenders for the ISL Shield. The fans celebrating their team's performance will hold their breath as they await what promises to be thrilling matches ahead.