FC Goa vs Bengaluru FC: Sunil Chhetri’s Injury-Time Header Sends BFC to ISL 2024-25 Final

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FC Goa vs Bengaluru FC: Bengaluru FC secured a place in their fourth Indian Super League (ISL) final after edging past FC Goa 3-2 on aggregate in the 2024-25 semi-final tie. Despite going down 2-1 in the second leg at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on April 6, the Blues' 2-0 win in the first leg ensured they advanced to the summit clash.

It was a dramatic stoppage-time header from Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri that sealed the deal for the visitors.

FC Goa came out firing from the first whistle, determined to overturn their two-goal deficit. Boris Singh and Iker Guarrotxena had early chances but failed to keep their shots on target. The Gaurs kept probing the Bengaluru defence, with Dejan Drazic directing a shot straight at Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in the 13th minute, missing the power to trouble the goalkeeper.

The first half was a story of near misses and persistent pressing by the home side, but the scoreline remained unchanged heading into the break. The breakthrough came just four minutes into the second half when Borja Herrera smashed a perfectly placed free-kick into the bottom corner, breathing life into FC Goa's comeback hopes.

Goa continued to press forward, creating multiple chances. Ayush Dev Chhetri and Guarrotxena came close to scoring again, but Gurpreet stood tall to keep the visitors in the game. Their efforts finally bore fruit in the 89th minute when Armando Sadiku nodded in a fine cross from Aakash Sangwan, levelling the tie on aggregate.

Just when it looked like the match was headed for extra time, Bengaluru FC struck back. In added time, a corner from Namgyal Bhutia was met by Chhetri, who leapt highest to guide a powerful header into the net, breaking Goan hearts and sending the Blues into their second final in three years.

Star of the Match

Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)

Coming on in the 55th minute, Chhetri was instrumental in turning the tide. He completed 10 of 12 passes, created a scoring chance, and delivered the match-winning goal under pressure.

What's Next

Bengaluru FC will now await the winner of the Jamshedpur FC vs. Mohun Bagan Super Giant semi-final. The ISL 2024-25 final is set for April 12.

Match Summary

FC Goa 2 (2) - [Borja Herrera 49', Armando Sadiku 88']
Bengaluru FC 1 (3) - [Sunil Chhetri 90+2']