ISL 2024-25: FC Goa Beat Punjab FC 2-1 To Claim Back-To-Back Home Victories

FC Goa sealed their back-to-back Indian Super League 2024-25 victories at home by edging out Punjab FC 2-1 on Wednesday, November 6, at the Fatorda Stadium. (Match Highlights)

Asmir Sulijic opened the scoring for the Shers early in the 13th minute, but Armando Sadiku equalized for Goa in the 22nd minute. Iker Guarrotxena then scored the winner in the 49th minute, securing the match for the Gaurs.

The best part of this match was that it came right after FC Goa ended Bengaluru FC's unbeaten streak in the ISL 2024-25 season with a 3-0 victory, meaning they carried their excellent form well into this game, giving their confidence a huge boost.

Nevertheless, it was a disappointing night for Punjab FC, who had been in strong form with four wins in their last five matches.

The game at Fatorda started with an early lead for Punjab FC, as Asmir Suljic scored a right-footed strike from the centre of the box, assisted by Nihal Sudheesh, whose precise cross gave the Shers a 1-0 advantage.

However, the lead lasted only nine minutes, as Armando Sadiku equalized with a right-footed shot from the right side of the box, finding the bottom left corner. The assist came from Iker Guarrotxena, who played a perfect through ball to set up Sadiku. The match was 1-1 at halftime.

Heading into the second half, just four minutes after the break, Guarrotxena himself scored the winner with a left-footed strike from six yards out, putting FC Goa 2-1 ahead.

The remaining 41 minutes including 7 minutes of injury time witnessed a hard fought battle between the two teams. However, the defenses from both sides stood firm, preventing any further goals as the match ended with no changes to the scoreline.

With this victory, FC Goa moved up to third place in the standings with 12 points from eight matches, having secured three wins, three draws, and two losses. Punjab FC, on the other hand, suffered their second defeat in six matches and dropped to fourth place, with four wins and two losses.

With a break ahead, FC Goa will next face Kerala Blasters in Kochi on November 28, while Punjab FC will battle NorthEast United on November 23.