ISL 2025-26: Chhetri, Bhutia’s goals lead Bengaluru FC to victory over FC Goa

Early and late strikes from captain Sunil Chhetri and Namgyal Bhutia helped Bengaluru FC secure a 2-0 win over FC Goa in a crucial match in the race for the top four in the 2025-26 Indian Super League at the PJN Stadium in Goa on Saturday, April 4 mps3ds.

The win lifted Bengaluru FC to fourth in the standings with 14 points, level with Mumbai City FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Jamshedpur FC, while FC Goa dropped to seventh with 10 points. Ryan Williams was named Player of the Match.

Bengaluru made a good start and took the lead within the first three minutes. A smart move from Braian Sánchez and Ashique Kuruniyan saw the ball fall kindly to Sunil Chhetri, who kept his composure to plant a right-footed finish into the bottom left corner to give the visitor a 1-0 lead.

The Gaurs responded positively, with centre-back Sandesh Jhingan heading narrowly wide from a corner in the 14th minute, before left winger Brison Fernandes Gurpreet Singh tested Sandhu from distance. FC Goa came closest in the 17th minute when center back Pol Moreno’s header hit the post after a well-worked move down the left.

Bengaluru remained dangerous on the counter, with Sánchez and Kuruniyan both trying from distance but unable to find the target. Goa continued to push forward and created multiple chances through set pieces, but failed to break through Bengaluru’s disciplined defensive line.

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In the second half, Bengaluru started on the up front with Kuruniyan and Suresh Singh Wangjam both testing the Goa defence. Despite continued pressure from both sides, clear cut chances remained limited, with several attempts blocked or missing the target.

Goa came close to an equalizer in the 86th minute when Moreno’s diving header was brilliantly saved by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who produced a crucial intervention to keep his side ahead.

Bengaluru sealed the result in stoppage time. In the second minute of stoppage time, substitute Namgyal Bhutia finished confidently from the right side of the penalty area after being set up by Lalremtluanga Fanai, doubling the visitor’s lead.

Goa had a late chance to pull one back but Mohammad Yasir’s effort was comfortably saved by Sandhu in stoppage time.

The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 win for Bengaluru FC as it secured three crucial points on the road and consolidated its position in the race for the top four.

Published on April 4, 2026