Bengaluru FC survive Goa’s resistance as Soham Varshneya strikes a dramatic stoppage-time winner to seal three crucial points.

Bengaluru FC had enough chances to put this game to bed much earlier, but their inability to make the most of a promising start kept FC Goa alive until the final moments. Just when the contest seemed destined for a draw, Soham Varshneya stepped up in the 93rd minute to hand Bengaluru FC a 2-1 victory. It was a result built on persistence, although their performance also exposed a few problems in front of goal.

Bengaluru FC’s attacking intent was clear, but Goa found their way back

Bengaluru FC came out looking to attack rather than sit back and wait for openings. Ryan Williams was particularly dangerous, using his pace and direct running to trouble Goa’s backline. The visitors created enough opportunities in the opening 20 minutes to have more than one goal to their name. Williams hit the crossbar, Sandro Sakho also struck the woodwork, while Borja Martinez had already found the net with a well-placed effort from outside the box.

But Bengaluru’s early dominance did not translate into control of the scoreboard. Goa were initially struggling to deal with the movement around their penalty area, yet they did not abandon their attacking approach. Instead, they began finding space through Muhammed Nemil and Francisco Feuillassier.

Their equaliser was a good example of that. Nemil picked out Feuillassier, who needed little invitation to try his luck from distance. The finish was excellent, but Bengaluru FC will probably feel they let Goa back into a game they should have controlled.

Goa threatened, but Bengaluru had the final word

The second half was less open. Goa looked more comfortable in possession and had a decent opportunity through Nemil, only for Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to keep Bengaluru FC in the contest. The hosts also brought on Jorge Ortiz and KC Malsawmsanga, hoping to add some creativity and movement in the final third.

Bengaluru FC, meanwhile, looked to freshen up their attack with Ashique Kuruniyan and Mihailo Perovic. The changes eventually proved important. Ashique’s involvement in the decisive move was exactly what Bengaluru needed, as his delivery found Varshneya inside the box. The midfielder made no mistake, finding the bottom corner in stoppage time.

Bengaluru has to learn from this game. Creating chances is one thing, putting games away is another. They made their opponents work hard, but their wastefulness almost cost them two points. Goa, on the other hand, showed enough resilience to stay competitive, but their late defensive lapse left them with nothing to show for it.

For Bengaluru, the three points matter but they will also have to think about the manner in which they found a way to win.