Once again, it was FC Goa's day as they demonstrated their resilience, staging a thrilling comeback to defeat the in-form Punjab FC 2-1 in an exciting Indian Super League encounter on Wednesday at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa.
The Gaurs showcased their trademark fighting spirit to turn the game around, securing all three points in front of their home fans.
A second win on the trot meant they kept a clean slate against Punjab FC winning twice and drawing once in their three encounters so far.
On Wednesday, FC Goa coach Manolo Marquez retained the same winning eleven players that played against Bengaluru, except for Iker Guarrotxena, who came in for Carl McHugh.
But it didn't appear to be the same side that had completely outperformed Bengaluru FC in their last home outing, but, nonetheless, they emerged winners.
But it didn't appear to be the same side that had completely outperformed Bengaluru FC in their last home outing, but, nonetheless, they emerged winners.
The FC Goa players were seen fumbling in their passes. The first half started with a scare for them in the 4th minute with Punjab FC coming close to scoring.
Punjab showed dominance and displayed killer intent, which fetched them their first goal in the 13th minute when Hungarian Asmir Suljic's right-footed shot caught Goa's Hrithik Tiwari unawares, thanks to Nihal Sudheesh's cross.
Punjab FC started the game on a strong footing showing signs of scoring. They kept on mounting pressure putting FC Goa on the back foot.
In the 19th minute, FC Goa’s Dejan Drazic unleashed a shot from a tight angle, but it flew just wide of the target. Undeterred, the Gaurs continued to press forward in search of the equalizer, and their persistence paid off in the 22nd minute when Armando Sadiku pounced on a well-worked team move to score and level the game.
After this goal, Goa started looking better, but Punjab were also mounting pressure and looked lethal making inroads into the rival half. The first half saw Dejan, Boris Singh and Armando combining well.
In added time of the first half, FC Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari made a crucial save, denying Punjab FC what looked like a certain goal. As the ball was headed toward the net, Tiwari reacted quickly to keep it out, preserving the 1-1 scoreline as the teams headed into the break.
If the first half was dominated by Punjab FC, the second belonged to FC Goa, who came out with renewed energy and purpose, reminiscent of their dazzling display against Bengaluru in their last home game.
As the intensity cranked up right from the start of the second half, Goa wasted no time, launching a slick, fast-paced move that sliced through Punjab’s defence. In a flash, they made it 2-1 in the 49th minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and seizing control of the match.
The Punjab FC defence was left stunned as Dejan Drazic's close-range shot ricocheted off the goalkeeper. But the ever-alert Iker Guarrotxena was in the right place at the right time, seizing the rebound and calmly slotting the ball into the net to put FC Goa ahead.
The home crowd erupted in celebration as Iker’s poise and persistence handed Goa a well-earned 2-1 lead.
After taking the lead, FC Goa turned up the pressure, leaving Punjab FC scrambling on the defensive as the home crowd roared for more. With Goa controlling the tempo, it seemed only a matter of time before they struck again.
However, in the 55th minute, Punjab FC came dangerously close to equalizing through Norberto Vidal, whose powerful effort tested Goa's resolve. But that was as close as they came, as the Gaurs’ defence stood firm to keep their lead intact.
FC Goa's Boris and Iker kept mounting pressure on Punjab. Goa would have scored again in the 60th minute, but Mohammed Yasir's shot was saved by Punjab keeper Ravi Kumar. Soon after, Sahil Tavora's shot landed straight in the hands of the goalkeeper.
Again, Goa would have made it 3-1 if Guarrotxena's shot had not hit the woodwork.
In the 67th minute, the entry of Brison Fernandes' entry bolstered FC Goa. Brison turned to be the nemesis for Punjab players with his fine runs into the rival area. He looked more dangerous than in the last game.
After the drinks break, FC Goa emerged with renewed vigour, relentlessly pushing forward and creating a flurry of chances as they sought to extend their lead. Punjab FC, though, weren’t out of the fight just yet.
Their best opportunity came in the 85th minute when Tekcham Singh unleashed a powerful right-footed shot from outside the box. The ball sailed inches above the crossbar, leaving Goa's defence with a collective sigh of relief as the Gaurs held on to their slender advantage.
After the drinks break, FC Goa emerged with renewed vigour, relentlessly pushing forward and creating a flurry of chances as they sought to extend their lead. Punjab FC, though, weren’t out of the fight just yet.
In added time Punjab looked for the equaliser but could not do much, and FC Goa heaved a sigh of relief when the referee blew the final whistle. They won and with this victory, which is their third of the league season and second at home, FC Goa climbed to third in the ISL standings with 12 points from eight matches.
The Gaurs will resume their campaign after the international break with an away fixture against Kerala Blasters in Kochi on November 28.
Today's match was witnessed by a spirited crowd of 10,821, slightly surpassing the attendance from the Bengaluru game on November 2.
Looking ahead, FC Goa will be back at home on December 20 to take on Mohun Bagan, as they aim to continue their strong form and deliver another memorable performance for their passionate fans.