In a semi-final that will long be remembered for its sheer intensity and drama, Bengaluru FC stormed into their fourth Indian Super League final on Sunday, thanks to a clutch stoppage-time header from their talisman Sunil Chhetri.
Although the Blues were edged 2-1 in the second leg by FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, their earlier 2-0 victory ensured a 3-2 aggregate triumph, booking a spot in the ISL 2024-25 summit clash.
Table of Contents
Gaurs Dictate Early Tempo But Miss Cutting Edge
FC Goa approached the match with fiery determination, knowing they needed to overturn a two-goal deficit. Right from kickoff, Boris Singh tried his luck from distance in the seventh minute, though his shot soared high over the frame. Moments later, Udanta Singh linked up with Iker Guarrotxena inside the box, only for the Spaniard to fire wide.
The intent was clear—Manolo Marquez’s men were desperate to draw first blood, but composure in front of goal proved elusive. In the 13th minute, Dejan Drazic pounced on a delivery from Aakash Sangwan but his effort lacked the venom to trouble the net. Despite multiple half-chances, the hosts couldn’t breach Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s guard in the opening period.
Herrera Sparks Goa Comeback With Sublime Free-Kick
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 49th minute. Borja Herrera curled a left-footed free-kick from the edge of the penalty box into the bottom corner, reigniting hopes for the home crowd. It was a moment of individual brilliance that shifted the momentum in FC Goa’s favour.
Their relentless pursuit continued, with Ayush Dev Chhetri and Guarrotxena frequently testing Bengaluru’s resolve. Chhetri’s 69th-minute attempt lacked direction, while Guarrotxena’s subsequent header was expertly handled by Gurpreet, who stood tall between the posts.
Sadiku’s Header Levels the Match, Sparks Late Mayhem
The clash appeared to be heading into extra time when, in the 89th minute, Armando Sadiku rose to meet Aakash Sangwan’s pinpoint cross, placing a perfect header into the bottom corner. The equalizer sent the Fatorda crowd into a frenzy, as FC Goa leveled the second-leg scoreline.
Yet, just as the Gaurs began to sense a shift in destiny, Bengaluru FC reignited their attacking fire. The urgency triggered a wave of pressure on the FC Goa defence, who began conceding corners in rapid succession during injury time.
Captain Marvel Sunil Chhetri Steals the Show
Introduced off the bench in the 55th minute, Sunil Chhetri displayed his vast experience and knack for rising to the occasion. After completing 10 of his 12 attempted passes and creating a key chance, the Indian football icon stamped his authority in the 90+ minute.
As Namgyal Bhutia delivered a well-measured corner into the area, Chhetri leapt above his marker and drilled a thunderous header into the centre of the goal, leaving FC Goa goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh with no chance. The goal secured Bengaluru FC’s aggregate win and deflated Goa’s dreams in an instant.
Chhetri’s contribution extended beyond the goal—his positional awareness, tackling, and pressing offered the visitors renewed energy in the closing stages. “It’s never over until the final whistle,” is a sentiment Chhetri continues to embody with every clutch performance.
Bengaluru FC Eye Another Crown
With this result, Bengaluru FC set up a final showdown on April 12 against the winner of the semi-final clash between Jamshedpur FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Having already lifted silverware in the past, the Blues are eyeing a return to glory after narrowly missing out in recent seasons.
Meanwhile, FC Goa’s campaign concludes with plenty of positives but also the familiar frustration of falling short in crunch moments. Their attacking prowess, midfield creativity, and tactical flexibility will surely be assets next season—but for now, the wait for an elusive title continues.
Read More: ISL 2024-25: Top 5 Teams With The Most Clean Sheets Ever in ISL Playoffs
FAQs
Who scored the decisive goal for Bengaluru FC against FC Goa in the ISL 2024-25 semi-final?
Sunil Chhetri scored a stoppage-time header that sent Bengaluru FC into the final.
What was the aggregate score between Bengaluru FC and FC Goa in the ISL semi-final?
Bengaluru FC won the semi-final 3-2 on aggregate despite losing the second leg 2-1.
When will Bengaluru FC play the ISL 2024-25 final?
Bengaluru FC will play the ISL 2024-25 final on April 12.
Who will Bengaluru FC face in the ISL final?
Bengaluru FC will face the winner of the semi-final between Jamshedpur FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
What impact did Sunil Chhetri have after coming on as a substitute?
Chhetri completed 10 of 12 passes, created a goal-scoring chance, tackled once, and scored the winning goal.
