Bengaluru FC return to action with momentum and confidence as they host FC Goa in the first leg of the Indian Super League (ISL) semifinal at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Wednesday. The Blues stormed into the last four with a resounding 5-0 victory over Mumbai City FC, their biggest-ever home win in ISL history.
The semifinal clash marks an important milestone for Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza, who will be overseeing his first ISL semifinal since taking over the reins. “I’m looking forward to it. I came here to the club to win trophies, and we have three other really good teams involved in the semifinals too,” Zaragoza said ahead of the tie.
Bengaluru FC’s attacking form could not have peaked at a better time. The talismanic Sunil Chhetri came off the bench to score in the knockout round and is now just one goal away from matching his best-ever ISL season tally of 14, achieved in 2017-18. Alongside Chhetri, Australian winger Ryan Williams is expected to play a crucial role with his relentless runs down the flank and ability to stretch defences.
But standing in their path are FC Goa, a team that has been consistent throughout the season, finishing second on the league table with 48 points from 24 matches. The Gaurs will be eager to rewrite their semifinal fortunes after a disappointing double defeat to Mumbai City FC in last year’s semifinals.
This time, Goa arrives with a wealth of attacking firepower. Brison Fernandes has been a revelation on the wing, scoring seven goals and notching two assists. Striker Armando Sadiku leads their scoring charts with nine goals, while Spanish forward Iker Guarrotxena has chipped in with seven. The trio will be looking to exploit any gaps in Bengaluru’s backline.
With both sides boasting offensive flair and in-form attackers, the first leg promises to be a high-intensity affair. While Bengaluru rides high on their recent knockout triumph, FC Goa’s season-long consistency makes this semifinal an evenly poised contest.
The Kanteerava crowd is expected to bring the noise as Zaragoza’s men look to establish a strong foothold before the return leg. For both clubs, a place in the ISL final is now just two matches away—and every goal, every run, and every tackle will count.
