Bengaluru FC secured the advantage in the ongoing ISL semifinal over FC Goa. In the first leg, Bengaluru beat FC Goa 2-0 at the Shree Kanteerava Stadium tonight. With that win and clean sheet, the Blues set a new record as the first team to manage the most clean sheets in ISL playoff history.
Throughout the match, the Gaurs maintained possession and attempted various shots but only managed to get their first shot on target in the 83rd minute. Bengaluru took the lead in the first half and scored their second in the second half, displaying attacking football at home. Based on their performance, they ended the match with a 2-0 lead, giving them a great advantage that will boost their confidence for the second leg at the Gaurs’ home.
From the kickoff, Bengaluru FC started attacking. However, before halftime, in the 41st minute, Goa conceded a goal due to a defensive lapse. From the right, Edgar Mendez sent a cross into the box, targeting Ryan Williams. But before he could attempt a shot, Sandesh Jhingan tried to clear the ball, and his header went into the net, giving the Blues the lead.
In the second half, in the 51st minute, Namgyal Bhutia sent a ball from the right, which Edgar Mendez effortlessly slotted into the net to make it 2-0. FC Goa launched many attacks, but they were not effective and failed to test Gurpreet. However, in the 83rd minute, Boris attempted the first on-target shot for FC Goa. From outside the box, he unleashed a left-footed shot, which Gurpreet saved.
As time went on towards the final whistle, Goa tried to manage to open up the net at least to reduce the margin. Their substitutes, Drazic and Sadiku, got some chances, but those were ineffective against the Blues’ defense. Bengaluru FC’s defense was much more alert tonight, especially Rahul Bheke, who displayed a great performance.
With a maximum of 54% ball possession and 19 shots attempted, Goa played their semi-final first leg but managed to take only two shots on target. Several times, it seemed there was defensive miscommunication within the Gaurs’ defensive unit. Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC took 9 shots, 5 of which were on target, and ended the match playing front-foot football with a 2-0 advantage going into the second leg of the semi-final.
Goa will host the second leg of the ISL’s first semi-final on April 6 at the Fatorda Stadium, hoping to make a comeback against the Blues, who will step onto the field with a two-goal advantage.
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