Football

Bengaluru FC's unbeaten run in the 2024-25 Indian Super League came to an abrupt end as FC Goa inflicted a resounding 3-0 defeat on the Blues at the Fatorda Stadium on Saturday. Despite the setback, Bengaluru remains atop the standings with 16 points from seven matches, three points ahead of Mohun Bagan, which has played a game less.FC Goa, on the other hand, breathed a sigh of relief with its second win in seven contests. The victory was orchestrated by a trio of second-half strikes from Armando Sadiku, Brison Fernandes, and Dejan Drazic.Goa began the match as the aggressor, with Drazic's creativity on the wings causing problems for Bengaluru's defense. The hosts also threatened from set-pieces, but the Blues held firm to keep the tie goalless at the break.However, the pressure eventually told on Bengaluru, which was forced to reshuffle its defense after Aleksandar Jovanovic was unable to continue. In the 63rd minute, Sadiku's shot from Mohammad Yasir's low cross took a couple of deflections before trickling past goalkeeper Gurpreet Sandhu.Substitute Brison doubled Goa's advantage with a deft chip from outside the box after Gurpreet was robbed off the ball by Sadiku inside the Bengaluru penalty area. Drazic netted Goa's third in stoppage-time after latching onto Iker Guarrotxena's chip.The result marked Bengaluru's first defeat of the season and highlighted the depth and quality of FC Goa's squad. The Blues will look to bounce back in their next match, while Goa will aim to build on this momentum and climb up the standings.

Bengaluru FC, the reigning Indian Super League (ISL) champions, will face a struggling FC Goa in a crucial match at the Fatorda stadium on Saturday. BFC, currently atop the standings with 16 points, has been in impressive form, winning five matches and drawing one. Their defensive solidity has been a key factor, conceding just once in six games.In contrast, FC Goa has endured a disappointing start to the season, languishing in 10th place with only six points. Manolo Marquez's men have managed just one win in their three home games, leaving them desperate for a turnaround.BFC will be confident of extending Goa's misery, especially after their impressive 3-1 victory away at Kerala Blasters. "Last season, we were mid-table and fought against the top teams. This year we are on top and everyone wants to beat us. It feels good," said BFC coach Gerard Zaragoza ahead of the tie.For Goa, the BFC fixture presents a golden opportunity to kickstart a revival. The astute Marquez, despite being without the injured duo of Borja Herrera and Rowllin Borges, remains optimistic. "We are playing better than last season," said the Spaniard. "But we have not been consistent. It is a good moment to play BFC because we need to show that we can beat the strongest."The match promises to be an intriguing clash between two teams with contrasting fortunes. BFC will be looking to maintain their dominance at the top of the table, while Goa will be desperate to end their winless streak and climb up the standings.

Bengaluru FC ended their two-year winless streak in Kochi with a thrilling 3-1 victory over Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Friday night. Substitute Edgar Mendez emerged as the hero for the Blues, scoring twice in the second half to secure the win.The match started with both teams trading blows, but it was Bengaluru who drew first blood. Argentine forward Pereyra Diaz pounced on a loose ball in the box and lobbed it over goalkeeper Som Kumar to give the visitors the lead in the 9th minute.However, the Blasters responded well and equalized through a penalty in the 45th minute. Kwame Peprah was brought down inside the box by Rahul Bheke, and Jesus Jimenez stepped up to convert the spot-kick.The second half was a more open affair, with both teams creating chances. Mendez, who had come on for Diaz in the 60th minute, made an immediate impact. In the 73rd minute, he pounced on a loose ball after Som Kumar fumbled Noguera's free-kick and slotted it home to give Bengaluru a 2-1 lead.The Blasters pushed for an equalizer in the dying minutes, but Mendez had the final say. In the 90th minute, he raced forward and found Som out of his goal, calmly slotting the ball into an empty net to seal the victory for Bengaluru.The win was a much-needed boost for Bengaluru, who had struggled for form in recent weeks. It also ended their two-year wait for a win in Kochi, where they had previously lost three consecutive matches.

The Indian Super League (ISL) has unveiled the highly anticipated schedule for its 2024-25 season, featuring a thrilling lineup of matches, including the iconic Kolkata Derby. The second leg of the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC will take center stage on January 11 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. The rivalry will continue with Mohammedan SC facing Mohun Bagan SG on February 1 and East Bengal FC on February 16, completing the Derby round-up.The season kicks off on January 4 with Bengaluru FC traveling to Jamshedpur for a clash at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. Punjab FC will host Kerala Blasters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on January 5. The clash between Odisha FC and FC Goa on January 4 promises to be a tactical battle, with the Spanish flair of Sergio Lobera and Manolo Marquez on display.NorthEast United FC will make their debut at their new home, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, on February 7 against Mumbai City FC. The Highlanders will also host Bengaluru FC on February 21 and East Bengal FC on March 8 in the Meghalaya capital.Kerala Blasters FC will face arch-rivals Chennaiyin FC on January 30 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. Chennaiyin FC will take on Bengaluru FC in a much-anticipated fixture on February 25 at Sree Kanteerava Stadium. These matches will be crucial in the race for the playoffs.The league phase will conclude on March 12 at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad, with a contest between Hyderabad FC and Kerala Blasters. The ISL 2024-25 season promises to deliver intense rivalries, tactical battles, and unforgettable moments for football fans across India.

Five years ago, Vinith Venkatesh was a mere ballboy, witnessing Bengaluru FC's Indian Super League campaign from the sidelines. On Saturday, he etched his name into the club's history, scoring the match-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over East Bengal FC.Making his debut at the iconic Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the 19-year-old Venkatesh emerged as the hero. In the 25th minute, Edgar Mendez's pinpoint assist found an unmarked Venkatesh inside the box. With a deft first touch and a powerful low strike to the far post, he sent the home crowd into raptures.Senior statesman Sunil Chhetri, a veteran of Indian football, rushed to celebrate with the local lad. Venkatesh, who joined the club academy at the tender age of eight, had come full circle.The match was a scrappy affair, with nearly 12,000 spectators witnessing a physical and cynical encounter. Six players received yellow cards, while East Bengal's Lalchungnunga was sent off for a second booking. Tempers flared at times, forcing referee Crystal John to intervene.East Bengal remained in the hunt for an equalizer, pressing forward with intent. Their best chance came late when substitute Cleiton Silva fired over the crossbar from close range. In the first half, Jeakson Singh tried his luck from long range, but Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh was up to the task.Mendez, making his BFC debut, nearly got on the scoresheet with a crisp shot that narrowly missed the target. A few minutes later, Mendez and Venkatesh combined to ensure that Bengaluru FC started its ISL season on a winning note.The result: Bengaluru FC 1 (Venkatesh 25) bt East Bengal FC 0.

Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant return to their home ground, the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, for a highly anticipated semi-final clash against former champions Bengaluru FC in the 2024 Durand Cup on Tuesday.Mohun Bagan, who edged past Punjab FC 6-5 in a thrilling penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw in regulation time in the quarter-finals, will be eager to make the most of their home advantage. Bengaluru FC, on the other hand, secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Kerala Blasters thanks to a 95th-minute strike from Jorge Pereyra Diaz.Mohun Bagan head coach Jose Molina expressed his respect for Bengaluru FC but emphasized his team's focus on their own strengths. "Bengaluru FC are a good team with some really good players, but I am thinking about the whole team, not any individual players," said Molina. "We are going to miss Jamie Maclaren and Ashique Kuruniyan tomorrow, but the rest of the team is ready to give their best."Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza acknowledged the quality of Mohun Bagan's squad but remained confident in his team's abilities. "Mohun Bagan Super Giant is a team that has really talented players across the pitch, and we are sure that this will be a fixture that demands us to be focused," said Zaragoza. "I was happy with the way we defended together as a unit and stayed compact against the Blasters."Both teams have been in impressive form throughout the tournament. Mohun Bagan topped their group with three wins and a draw, while Bengaluru FC won all three of their group matches, scoring ten goals and conceding just twice.The semi-final clash promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of Indian football's most decorated clubs. The winner will advance to the final on Saturday, where they will face NorthEast United.

Durand Cup Semifinal: Kolkata Police Bans Tifo, Drums, and Inflammable MaterialsAmidst heightened security concerns following the RG Kar Medical College protests, the Kolkata Police has issued a notice prohibiting spectators from bringing tifo, drums, smoke candles, or other inflammable materials into the stadium for the Durand Cup semifinal between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bengaluru FC on Tuesday.The notice, signed by the joint commissioner of police, Bidhannagar, states that these restrictions are necessary to ensure the safety and security of the event. The authorities have requested both teams and their fans to cooperate with the security agencies and adhere to the guidelines.The decision to ban these items comes after the city police and tournament organizers canceled the derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal due to security concerns. In a show of solidarity, supporters of both teams gathered near the Salt Lake Stadium to protest the alleged rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College.As the Durand Cup enters its final stages, Bengaluru FC faces a formidable challenge against defending champions Mohun Bagan. The Kolkata giants have scored 10 goals and conceded only three, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive resilience.Bengaluru FC, on the other hand, will be looking to upset the odds and secure a place in the final. The Blues have been in impressive form this season, winning the Indian Super League and reaching the AFC Cup semifinals.The semifinal clash promises to be an exciting encounter between two of India's top football clubs. However, the absence of tifo, drums, and other fan paraphernalia may dampen the atmosphere at the stadium. The Kolkata Police's decision is aimed at prioritizing safety and preventing any potential security breaches.

Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan have secured their spots in the semifinals of the Durand Cup after thrilling victories in their respective quarterfinal matches.Mohun Bagan emerged victorious in a penalty shootout against Punjab FC, prevailing 6-5 after a 3-3 draw in regulation time. Punjab took an early lead through Luca Majcen's penalty, but Suhail Bhat and Manvir Singh put Mohun Bagan ahead in the second half. Filip Mrzljak and Norberto Ezequiel Vidal restored Punjab's advantage, but Jason Cummings equalized for Mohun Bagan in the 79th minute.In the penalty shootout, Mohun Bagan's Greg Stewart and Aldred converted crucial spot-kicks, while Punjab's Novoselec and Denechandram Meetei missed their attempts. Manvir, Liston Colaco, and Dimi Petratos also scored for Mohun Bagan, while Vinit Rai, Vidal, Bakenga, and Mrzljak found the net for Punjab.In the other quarterfinal, Bengaluru FC edged past Kerala Blasters 1-0 thanks to a late injury-time goal from Pererya Diaz. The match started with a tense moment as Kerala Blasters' goalkeeper Som Kumar collided with Diaz, forcing the Tuskers to substitute their goalkeeper.Bengaluru FC dominated possession but struggled to break down Kerala Blasters' defense. Sunil Chhetri's introduction in the 67th minute added pressure on Kerala Blasters, but both teams failed to find a decisive moment.In the dying moments of injury time, Bengaluru was awarded a free-kick just outside the box. Chhetri's attempt was blocked, but Diaz pounced on the rebound and slotted the ball into the near post to secure the win for Bengaluru FC.In the semifinals, Bengaluru FC will face defending champions Mohun Bagan, while Northeast United FC will take on Shillong Lajong FC.

Former Indian Super League champions Bengaluru FC extended their winning streak in the 133rd Durand Cup, securing a 3-2 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club on Tuesday. The triumph marked the completion of their Group B league assignment with an unblemished record, propelling them into the quarterfinals.Bengaluru FC, fielding a formidable lineup, dominated the proceedings against a youthful Mohammedan Sporting side that featured an all-Indian roster. The Blues took the lead in the seventh minute when Australian defender Aleksandar Jovanovic headed home a corner kick.The lead was doubled in the 22nd minute when Argentine forward Jorge Pereyra Diaz's sharp attempt was deflected into the net by Mohammedan Sporting defender Dipu Halder. Vinith Venkatesh extended the advantage to 3-0 on the hour mark, seemingly sealing the match for Bengaluru FC.However, Mohammedan Sporting rallied in the final quarter of the match, pulling one back through substitute Israfil Dewan's spectacular header in the 77th minute. The home side's hopes were further boosted when goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee was sent off with a straight red card in the 81st minute.Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mohammedan Sporting continued to press forward and found another goal through substitute Mahitosh Roy's fine long-ranger in injury time. However, it was too little too late as Bengaluru FC held on for the victory.In another Group E match, local side Bodoland FC picked up their first win of the tournament with a 2-0 triumph over a youthful Odisha FC side at the SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar, Assam. Dilliram Sanyasi and Arjun Mardi scored the goals for Bodoland FC.