ISL semifinal preview: Bengaluru FC takes on Goa FC in semifinal

Bengaluru FC will host FC Goa at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru in the first leg of its semi-final of the Indian Super League (ISL) on April 2

Hyderabad: Bengaluru FC will host FC Goa at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru in the first leg of its semi-final of the Indian Super League (ISL) on Wednesday in a night game.

The Blues have entered the last-four stage on the back of a thumping 5-0 victory against Mumbai City FC in the one-legged knockout, whereas the Gaurs had finished second in the standings, courtesy of winning 48 points from their 24 league stage matches.

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FC Goa, however, has been on a four-game-long unbeaten run against Bengaluru FC – winning and drawing twice in this period. They were at the receiving end of a loss in their previous playoffs fixture with the Blues though, facing a 0-1 loss in the final of ISL 2018-19.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC boasts a formidable home record against FC Goa, winning the last six games, winning four and drawing two. For the record, FC Goa has faced defeats in both of their last two playoff matches in ISL, both coming against Mumbai City FC in April 2024.

In head-to-head clashes, FC Goa and Bengaluru FC have faced each other 17 times in ISL history, with the Gaurs winning five and the Blues seven times, while five ended in a draw. Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza said he was looking forward to the semifinal.

“I came here to the club to win trophies, and we have three really good other teams involved in the semi-finals too,” he said. For his part, FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez said that he was excited and would want to help the team win the ISL Cup for the first time.