GOA: FC Goa defeated Kerala Blasters FC 2-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25, on Saturday, February 22, 2025. With this win, the Gaurs moved to 42 points to strengthen their hold at the second spot in the points table.

On a night when Iker Guarrotxena became the fifth Spaniard to score 20 goals in the ISL, the Gaurs also extended Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s wait for the ISL title – as a loss for the Gaurs tonight would have automatically crowned the Mariners the League Winners. Now, the Jose Molina-coached side will seek a win in their next game against Odisha FC on Sunday to achieve that feat.

FC Goa stepped up on the pedal in the second half, as they patiently built up an attack from the right flank by first circulating it back to their defence and then delivering Dejan Drazic a curling delivery at distance on the left wing. Drazic thumped in a thunderous effort that looked set to rattle the target but Kamaljit did well to palm the ball out of danger. However, his collection was not tidy, resulting in Guarrotxena capitalising upon the rebound and slotting the ball into the bottom right corner through his right foot to break the deadlock in the 46th minute.

The Gaurs got a strong grip over the game thereafter as their entire attack flew fluidly from back to front thereafter. In the 73rd minute, Carl McHugh sprinted ahead from a pocket of space down the middle before passing the ball to Aakash Sangwan at the edge of the box. Sangwan carried forward the endeavour brilliantly, laying out a straightforward delivery for Guarrotxena deep inside the 18-yard zone. Guarrotxena abruptly squared up a pass for Mohammad Yasir at very close range in the middle, who tapped the ball into the bottom right corner and doubled the lead for the Gaurs.

FC Goa will play their next game against Punjab FC on February 27, whereas Kerala Blasters FC are set to feature against Jamshedpur FC on March 1 next.

East Bengal beat Punjab FC 3-1 to bag three crucial points

NEW DELHI: East Bengal FC maintained their newfound form with a 3-1 thumping over Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Dimitrios Diamantakos had set the tone for the visitors in the first half with an early strike before the likes of Naorem Mahesh Singh and Lalchungnunga found the back of the net early in the second half.

Later, Punjab FC opened their account courtesy of a fantastic strike from Ezequiel Vidal which unfortunately resulted in a consolation.

East Bengal FC are now unbeaten in their last three away games this campaign as they kept their hopes for playoffs alive albeit mathematically. They are 10th in the table with 24 points from 21 games now, whereas Punjab FC have dropped to the 11th place, having the same points from an equal number of matches as the Red & Gold Brigade. With 3 games left to play, both of them are eight points behind (32) than the sixth-placed Mumbai City FC.

Punjab FC will host FC Goa next at home on February 27, whereas East Bengal FC will return home to welcome Hyderabad FC on February 26.

(Courtesy: ISL Media Team)