FC Goa are set to welcome Bengaluru FC to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa for the second leg of their Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 semi-final clash on Sunday.
Table of Contents
FC Goa vs Bengaluru FC: Preview
FC Goa are currently enduring a three-match losing streak in the playoffs, equaling their longest such run in ISL history. Another defeat would see them hit a new low in the knockout stages—an outcome they’ll be desperate to avoid.
Despite the team’s recent struggles, goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari has been a bright spark, registering seven clean sheets this season. His 51 saves are the highest by any FC Goa shot-stopper in a single ISL campaign, underlining his importance to the side.
Midfielder Brison Fernandes has also impressed, especially from distance. The 23-year-old has scored three goals from outside the box this season—matching the record for most long-range strikes by an FC Goa player in a single campaign, a feat previously achieved by Noah Sadaoui in 2022-23. Brison has racked up seven goals and two assists so far this season.
“We believe we can make it to the final”
FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez remains optimistic about his team’s chances of progressing.
“History and statistics don’t matter at this stage. We’re confident in our ability to reach the final,” he asserted.
Bengaluru FC secured a comfortable 2-0 win in the first leg, leaving FC Goa with the uphill task of overturning the deficit to book their place in the final. The Blues have now kept clean sheets in both of their last two playoff matches, posing a stern test for Manolo Marquez’s side.
However, Bengaluru FC haven’t enjoyed recent visits to Goa, losing on both of their previous trips, including a goalless encounter in their latest outing. Should they fail to score again, the Gaurs would become only the third team in ISL history to keep Bengaluru FC goalless in back-to-back away fixtures.
With their defence in fine form, another shutout could not only extend Bengaluru FC’s playoff winning run to three—matching their best streak from March 2019 to 2020—but also put them in prime position to reach the final.
The Blues have netted 47 goals this season and are now within touching distance of becoming just the fourth team to cross the 50-goal mark in a single ISL campaign, joining the elite company of FC Goa (2019-20), Mumbai City FC (2022-23), and Mohun Bagan Super Giant (2023-24).
Rahul Bheke has been a standout at the back for Bengaluru FC, registering 116 clearances this season—the highest by any Indian player and second overall. His 16 clearances in the first leg were not only a season-high but also a new club record for a single ISL match.
Meanwhile, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu kept his eighth clean sheet of the season in the first leg, with only Vishal Kaith (14) registering more in the 2024-25 campaign.
“It’s important to be brave”
Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza emphasized the team’s ambition to reach the final, underlining the importance of courage and composure.
“We need to be brave and look to score, but above all, the most important thing is to win the game,” he stated.
FC Goa vs Bengaluru FC: Head-to-head
The two teams have faced off 18 times in the Indian Super League, with Bengaluru FC winning eight matches and FC Goa claiming five victories, while the remaining five encounters have ended in draws.
- Total Matches – 20
- FC Goa wins– 6
- Bengaluru FC wins– 8
- Draws– 6
FC Goa vs Bengaluru FC: Team News and Predicted Lineup
FC Goa – Team News
The Gaurs will head into the second leg with a fully-fit squad at their disposal.
FC Goa – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper – Hritik Tiwari
- Defenders – Boris Singh, Odei Onaindia, Sandesh Jhingan, Aakash Sangwan
- Midfielders – Ayush Dev Chhetri, Sahil Tavora, Dejan Dražić
- Forwards – Brison Fernandes, Iker, Udanta Singh
Bengaluru FC – Team News
The Blues are expected to field a fully fit and available squad for the upcoming game.
Bengaluru FC – Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper – Gurpreet Sandhu
- Defenders – Namgyal Bhutia, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana, Roshan Singh
- Midfielders – Alberto Noguera, Pedro Capo, Suresh Wangjam
- Forwards – Ryan Williams, Edgar Mendez, Sunil Chhetri
FC Goa vs Bengaluru FC: Prediction
FC Goa face an uphill task after a 2-0 loss in the first leg. While they’ll have home advantage and a fully-fit squad, Bengaluru FC’s strong defensive form and two-goal cushion give them the edge. Goa might get on the scoresheet, but overcoming the deficit looks unlikely.
Prediction: FC Goa 1-1 Bengaluru FC
(Bengaluru FC win 3-1 on aggregate)
When and Where To Watch FC Goa vs Bengaluru FC LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The 2024-25 ISL Semi-final clash between FC Goa and Bengaluru FC is set to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Sunday, April 6, 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM IST.
FAQs
Who won the first leg between FC Goa and Bengaluru FC in the ISL 2024-25 semi-final?
Bengaluru FC won the first leg 2-0 against FC Goa.
What is FC Goa’s recent playoff record in the ISL?
FC Goa are currently on a three-match losing streak in the playoffs, equalling their worst-ever run.
How many clean sheets has Bengaluru FC’s Gurpreet Singh Sandhu kept this season?
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has kept 8 clean sheets in the 2024-25 ISL season.
What is Brison Fernandes’ goal record for FC Goa this season?
Brison Fernandes has scored 7 goals and provided 2 assists, with 3 goals coming from outside the box.
What is the head-to-head record between FC Goa and Bengaluru FC in the ISL?
In 18 ISL matches, Bengaluru FC have won 8, FC Goa have won 5, and 5 games ended in draws.
