Bengaluru FC vs FC Goa: Three key battles to watch out for in ISL 2024-25 semifinal

Bengaluru FC and FC Goa will play each other on 2nd and 6th April to see who makes it to the ISL Final.

Following their dominant win against Mumbai City in the Indian Super League playoff knockouts, Bengaluru FC’s next challenge will come against a daunting FC Goa side that finished second in the league.

The Gaurs will go into the game against BFC, the more positive side, as they beat the Blues at home and drew with them in an entertaining away game at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium during the league phase. Bengaluru FC on the other end rely on keeping possession and they have regained their defensive form in recent games.

With every chance and every pass playing a crucial role in this two-legged tie. Here are three key battles that could settle the ISL semi final between FC Goa and Bengaluru FC this April:

Sunil Chhetri vs Odei Onaindia

The 2024-25 ISL season has seen the return of the “vintage” Sunil Chhetri, who has now scored 13 goals in 25 games this season. The 40-year-old’s special finish from outside the box against Mumbai City in Bengaluru FC’s 5-0 win in the knockout game will certainly boost his confidence further.

Standing opposite to Chhetri in FC Goa’s defence would be the ever-present Odei Onaindia. Just like the Indian legend, Onaindia at 35, is still at his best and has formed a tight defensive partnership with Sandesh Jhingan. On a personal note, the Spaniard has won 48 aerial duels and has made 26 interceptions.

While Chhetri will likely play on the left-wing, he has the tendency to cut in, and the forward also is good with headers from crosses. In both these cases, Odei Onaindia will be the player to beat as both these veterans will go head-to-head against each other multiple times in the game.

Ryan Williams vs Aakash Sangwan

Ryan Williams has been Bengaluru FC’s “X-Factor” this season and the Aussie proved his worth once again, playing a key part in BFC’s win in the knockout game. The right winger has 6 goals and 4 assists to his name in 18 ISL games and he seems to be getting better with every passing game.

Aakash Sangwan on the other hand has enjoyed a positive debut season with FC Goa. The former Chennaiyin FC left-back has become a fixture for Manolo Marquez, displacing the young and talented Jay Gupta from Goa’s defence. Aakash also has good crossing ability to show on his resume and this has further helped to elevate the 29-year-old’s stock.

Ryan Williams scored in Bengaluru FC’s 2-2 draw against FC Goa earlier this season as the Blues scripted a courageous comeback. If FC Goa want to win, they need to find a way to keep Williams quiet and hence Aakash Sangwan will have a huge part to play in this game.

Rahul Bheke vs Iker Guarrotxena

Moving from Bengaluru FC’s attack, It’s time to shift attention to FC Goa’s most lethal weapon – Iker Guarrotxena. The Spaniard has scored 7 goals and has provided 3 assists in 19 ISL games, making him the second highest goal contributor in the team.

Rahul Bheke on the other hand will be tasked to keep Bengaluru FC’s defence in shape. The Blues have kept four clean sheets in their last six ISL games and this has helped restore their winning habit. On a personal note, Bheke has won 39 aerial duels, made 24 interceptions, and has also chipped in with three crucial goals from set pieces.

Iker Guarrotxena will be a tricky player to stop for Bengaluru FC as the Spaniard can play as an attacking midfielder, false nine, or an out and out forward. FC Goa have scored in 23 of their 24 ISL league games this season and hence if BFC fail to keep Iker quiet, they may lose out on the tie over the two legs.

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