FC Goa outclassed Mumbai City FC with a 3-1 victory at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Wednesday, breaking their 13-game winless run against the Islanders in the competition.
The Gaurs strengthened their second-place position, accumulating 39 points after 20 games with 11 victories and six draws. A brace from Iker Guarrotxena and a goal from Borja Herrera in the second half sealed the win.
Guarrotxena opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a brilliant solo effort. Picking up the ball at the edge of the 18-yard box, he dribbled past the Mumbai City FC defense before striking a precise shot into the bottom right corner.
He nearly doubled the lead five minutes later when he met a cross from Borja Herrera with a mistimed header that was blocked. However, in the 41st minute, he found the net again. Udanta Singh made a darting run down the right flank, drawing defenders before delivering a pinpoint cross into the box. Guarrotxena positioned himself perfectly and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner.
Mumbai City FC attempted a comeback after the break. In the 60th minute, Jorge Ortiz set up Vikram Partap Singh, who managed to get a shot on target from a difficult angle, but goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari made the save.
FC Goa extended their lead in the 64th minute when Herrera capitalized on a poor headed clearance by Mehtab Singh. Left unmarked inside the box, Herrera calmly placed his shot into the bottom right corner.
The Islanders had chances to respond. In the 78th minute, Jon Toral set up Lallianzuala Chhangte with a slick pass in the center of the box, but the Mumbai City FC captain fired his shot high and wide.
As the match neared its end, FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez made substitutions to secure the victory, bringing in Dejan Drazic, Seriton Fernandes, and Sahil Tavora for Herrera, Udanta, and Ayush Dev Chhetri.
Despite FC Goa’s defensive efforts, Mumbai City FC earned a late penalty after goalkeeper Tiwari committed a foul. Chhangte stepped up and converted from the spot with a left-footed shot down the middle, denying FC Goa a clean sheet. However, the Gaurs comfortably walked away with all three points.
