Bengaluru FC edge past FC Goa to clinch RFDL 2025-26 title
Bengaluru FC clinched their third RFDL title in the fifth edition of the tournament.
Bengaluru FC and FC Goa faced off in the finals of the 2025/26 Reliance Football Development League at Goa’s GMC Athletic Stadium.
Bengaluru FC struggled in the first half but improved drastically in the second half, controlling possession and opportunities. Ricky Meetei scored the game’s sole goal, separating the two teams at the end of the game.
While the game was not aesthetically pleasing, with both teams failing to establish themselves, Bengaluru FC won’t mind the performance as they walked away with their third RFDL title. FC Goa players, on the other hand, burst into tears at the final whistle.
Team News coming into the game:
Renedy Singh made only one change to the lineup that defeated Kerala Blasters FC 3-0 in the second leg of the playoffs. Rishi Singh replaced Cyrus Abhilash in the starting lineup, while first-team players Ricky Meetei and Soham Varshneya were picked amongst the substitutes.
Israil Gurung, on the other touchline, made three changes to the Gaurs team that lost 2-1 to Punjab FC in their last encounter. Karan Fialho, Vellington Fernandes, and Shawn Fernandes were selected ahead of Sitroy Carvalho, Kavya Sunil, and Malsawmtluanga.
FC Goa dominated the possession against lackluster Bengaluru FC in the first half:
Bengaluru began the game on the front foot, with Rishi trying a cross from the right side and winning a corner in the first minute. However, the first half of football was quite underwhelming, with both sides playing cautiously rather than an all-out attack to score and take a lead going into halftime break.
While the Gaurs controlled possession, Bengaluru FC prevailed in terms of effort and clear-cut opportunities in front of goal. Rishi Sing had a few excellent scoring chances with his sprints down the flanks and set-pieces.
Bengaluru FC’s fullbacks, Ashik and Hangshing, surged forward and launched a couple of threatening crosses, but FC Goa’s defenders, particularly Wesley, rose to the task, clearing the balls that headed into the box. The Gaurs’ forwards, Vellington and Ismail had some chances up front, with the latter having the greatest chance in the game, dribbling past a few players before shooting straight into Suraj’s palms.
Renedy, disappointed with his players’ performance, made a switch just before halftime, replacing Samson with Ricky Meetei. The first half ended 0-0, with the Gaurs having a number of opportunities at the conclusion of the half.
Bengaluru FC stepped up their game in the second half:
At the start of the second half, Renedy Singh made another change, bringing in Kelvin Singh on the flanks to provide some directness and attacking flair. Kelvin had an immediate impact, playing a dangerous cross into the box, that Ashik set up for Rishi, but Rishi’s attempt went wide and off target.
Kelvin got another chance minutes later when he was on the receiving end of Ricky’s long pass from the back, which the Goa defenders failed to clear. But Kelvin’s shot, with only the goalie to beat, kissed the frame of the goal, resulting in a goal kick.
Both teams made a few substitutions, bringing on fresh legs to keep the scoreboard intact defensively and score a goal on the offensive side. Around the 75th minute of the game, Bengaluru FC captain Serto Kom had a fantastic opportunity to give his team the lead, but his effort from Ricky’s long pass from the back was poor.
While the game appeared to be heading for a draw at the conclusion of 90 minutes, Ricky Meetei had other plans, scoring the winner for the Blues with a spectacular left-footed long shot from the edge of the box. Kelvin initiated the play on the wings with a cross into the box for Rishi, but the FC Goa defenders’ clumsy clearance went into Ricky’s legs, who converted the chance.
After trailing behind by a goal, FC Goa quickly rushed to commit more men in the attack, understanding they needed a goal to salvage the game. Kavya Sunil and Mervin Fernandes had a couple chances in the final 10 minutes of the game, but the ones they generated were of poorer quality, and they were unable to find an equalizer.
The game concluded 1-0 in favor of the Blues, who secured the 2025/26 Reliance Foundation Development League title. Despite a terrible first half, Bengaluru FC improved significantly in the second half and dominated the game, leaving the opposition with little opportunity.
Renedy Singh will be delighted with the outcome, as the Indian head coach has delivered silverware with the young squad after being replaced as head coach of the senior team.
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Shyam Sundar is an Indian football fan turned writer who has been covering the sport since 2023, after following it closely since 2020. He has reported on the ISL, I-League, IWL, and Indian national team matches. A passionate football enthusiast, he holds a special place in his heart for Chennaiyin FC and Manchester United.