FC Goa vs Gokulam Kerala, Kalinga Super 2025 Highlights: FCG Beat GKFC 3-0

FC Goa vs Gokulam Kerala, Kalinga Super 2025 AS IT HAPPENED: FC Goa kicked off their 2025 Kalinga Super Cup campaign in style with a dominant 3-0 win over Gokulam Kerala FC in the pre-quarterfinals at the Kalinga Stadium.

Spanish forward Iker Guarrotxena was the star of the show, netting a superb hat-trick to secure the Gaurs' place in the last eight.

Guarrotxena opened the scoring in the 22nd minute from the penalty spot after a foul on Drazic. He doubled the lead 13 minutes later with a clinical finish following a precise assist from Akash. Despite Gokulam Kerala enjoying periods of possession and hitting the crossbar in the second half, they failed to capitalize on their chances.

The Spaniard completed his hat-trick in the second-half, sealing the win and ensuring FC Goa's progression to the quarter-finals, where they will face either Odisha FC or Punjab FC.

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With aspirations of returning to the continental circuit-having previously played in the 2021 AFC Champions League-Goa will be aiming to hit the ground running in Bhubaneswar.

Meanwhile, their opponents, Gokulam Kerala FC, are also eyeing a return to the Asian stage, having last featured in the 2022 AFC Cup. Despite being a strong side in domestic competitions, the Malabarians have never advanced beyond the group phase in the Kalinga Super Cup and remain winless in their last two outings in the tournament, including a narrow 0-1 defeat to FC Goa.

Heading into this fixture, FC Goa appear to be the stronger team on paper, boasting a well-rounded squad with depth and experience. Having played several matches at the Kalinga Stadium during the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season, they will be well-acquainted with the venue. However, their ISL campaign came to an unfortunate end in the semifinals, courtesy of a last-minute strike by Bengaluru FC legend Sunil Chhetri, which dashed their hopes of reaching the final.

Despite the heartbreak, the Gaurs have shown consistency in recent games, with only two losses in their last five encounters-proof of their current momentum and hunger for silverware.

On the other side, Gokulam Kerala FC head into the fixture with renewed confidence, having secured four victories in their last five outings across all competitions. Though their I-League season ended in disappointment with a dramatic 3-4 defeat to Dempo SC on the final day-costing them a potential title-they still managed to finish third in the table.

Their recent form suggests they won't be pushovers, and while they may wear the underdog tag against FC Goa, their attacking flair and winning streak could pose a genuine threat to the Gaurs in what promises to be an exciting Super Cup opener.