Mumbai City vs FC Goa, ISL 2024-25: Gaurs Get 3-1 Win Breaking 13-game Winless Run Against Islanders

FC Goa ended their 13-game winless streak against Mumbai City FC with a 3-1 victory at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25, solidifying their position in second place with 39 points from 20 matches, including 11 wins and six draws.

Iker Guarrotxena's brace and Borja Herrera's second-half strike secured the victory for the Gaurs. Guarrotxena opened the scoring in the 24th minute with an impressive solo effort, maneuvering through the Mumbai City defence from the edge of the box before firing a powerful shot into the bottom right corner.

Five minutes later, he nearly scored again from a cross by Borja Herrera but his header was blocked. However, in the 41st minute, Guarrotxena doubled the lead. Udanta Singh made a swift run down the right flank.

He drew the defenders away before delivering a precise cross that Guarrotxena converted with a well-placed shot into the bottom right corner. Mumbai City FC tried to respond with Jorge Ortiz setting up Vikram Partap Singh at the hour mark.

However, his shot was then saved by Goa's goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari. Shortly after, Borja Herrera extended FC Goa's lead in the 64th minute, capitalizing on a poor clearance by Mehtab Singh to score unchallenged from inside the box.

Mumbai City's attempts to reduce the deficit continued as Ortiz created another opportunity for Jon Toral, whose shot was saved by Tiwari. In the 78th minute, Toral assisted Lallianzuala Chhangte, but the Mumbai City skipper missed the target.

In the closing moments, FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez made strategic substitutions, bringing on Dejan Drazic, Seriton Fernandes, and Sahil Tavora to reinforce his team's defence. However, a late foul by Tiwari granted Mumbai City a penalty.

Chhangte converted it to secure a consolation goal and deny FC Goa a clean sheet. Guarrotxena was the standout performer, completing 19 of 27 passes and creating two scoring opportunities alongside his brace. FC Goa's next match is against Kerala Blasters FC on February 22, while Mumbai City FC will face Hyderabad FC on February 19.