FC Goa delivered a statement performance at the Mumbai Football Arena on Wednesday night, outclassing Mumbai City FC 3-1 in a crucial Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 encounter.
A scintillating brace from Iker Guarrotxena and a goal from Borja Herrera sealed the Gaurs’ victory, while Lallianzuala Chhangte’s late penalty proved only a consolation for the Islanders.
The match began with Mumbai City enjoying the early advantage, driven by home support. In the 13th minute, a long ball from Thaer Krouma found Vikram Partap Singh, who made a blistering run into the FC Goa box before firing a powerful shot from a tight angle.
However, Goa’s young custodian Hrithik Tiwari was up to the task, making a brilliant diving save – his first of many on the night. Despite Mumbai’s initial dominance, the Men in Orange soon gained a foothold in the game and launched a series of relentless attacks. Their breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Udanta Singh, in sublime form, picked up the ball in the attacking third and sprinted forward before finding Iker Guarrotxena.
The Spanish midfielder then produced a moment of magic, weaving past six Mumbai defenders
before curling a stunning shot past Phurba Lachenpa into the bottom corner.
With that goal, FC Goa etched their name in ISL history, setting a new record by scoring in 20 consecutive matches, surpassing the previous record of 19 set by the Islanders in the 2022-23 season.
The visitors doubled their lead just before halftime in the 41st minute, once again courtesy of Iker. Udanta, instrumental once more, combined brilliantly with Borja Herrera on the right flank before whipping in a precise cross into the box.
Iker showing his predatory instincts, connected with a sublime half-volley, leaving Lachenpa with no chance. It was a goal of sheer class and marked Iker’s fifth of the season.
The away section erupted in celebration, their voices drowning out the stunned home crowd. Goa’s traveling fans turned the Mumbai Football Arena into a cauldron of orange, providing a fitting backdrop to their team’s dominant first-half display.
After the break, Mumbai City attempted to wrest control of the game with sharp passing and attacking intent. However, FC Goa’s defensive unit, marshaled by captain Odei Onaindia, Sandesh Jhingan and goalkeeper Tiwari, stood firm, denying the Islanders any clear-cut chances.
The trio of Ayush Chhetri, Carl McHugh and Jay Gupta, alongside the ever-reliable Boris Singh, also provided a disciplined shield, ensuring that their team remained in command.
As Mumbai pressed forward desperately, their urgency led to errors. In the 64th minute, their defensive frailty was punished. Lachenpa’s misplaced pass was intercepted by the electric Udanta Singh, who wasted no time in squaring the ball for Borja Herrera. The Spaniard kept his composure, slotting home past an onrushing
Lachenpa to all but secure victory for Goa. His celebration toward the jubilant away stand summed up the confidence in the Gaurs’ camp.
With the game effectively won, the Men in Orange focused on preserving their clean sheet. However, in the sixth minute of stoppage time, the Islanders managed a consolation goal. A rare lapse in the Goa defence led to Hrithik Tiwari conceding a penalty after a challenge inside the box. Lallianzuala Chhangte stepped up and converted from the spot, but it was too little, too late for the home side.
The defeat was a significant setback for Mumbai City, who missed an opportunity climb to third place in the standings, leaving them stranded in fifth. Meanwhile, Goa solidified their grip on second place, moving five points clear of third-place Jamshedpur FC.
With 39 points from 20 matches, they remain in the hunt for the ISL League Shield,.trailing leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant by seven points and ensuring the title race remains alive for at least another matchweek.
In another ten days, Manolo Marquez’s boys will return to action in the league in their next assignment, which is to take on Kerala Blasters FC at their fortress at Fatorda.
