FC Goa scored at death through Ferran Corominas to snatch points from Bengaluru FC, as the Blues registered their second straight draw in the Indian Super League.
Udanta Singh scored the first goal for the visiting side after Mourtada Fall and Mandar Rao Dessai faltered in their defensive duties, but it went in vain as Coro — as he is fondly known — put The Gaurs back into the game.
Here are the major talking points from the match:
1) Back-to-back goals for lethal Coro
Ferran Corominas' injury-time spot-kick was his second goal in as many games for Goa in this edition of the ISL. The Spaniard was on the scoresheet for The Gaurs' 3-0 mauling of Chennaiyin in the campaign opener.
His clinical strike from the penalty spot on Tuesday meant he now has 36 goals from 42 games - a commendable feat for a strike who is 36 years old.
2) First away goal for Udanta
Capitalising on the errors from the defensive duo of Mandar and Fall, Udanta slotted in a near-perfect strike to bring Bengaluru in the lead in the 62nd minute.
After Manuel Ownu — the side's new recruit this season — set him with a flick, Udanta finished off in style against Mohammad Nawaz at goal.
The was Udanta's first away goal in a Bengaluru jersey. The winger has scored six goals for Bengaluru in ISL across two seasons, whereas he netted three for the Blues in the I-League in 2017.
3) New role a trouble for Ashique?
Deployed as a wing-back on the left side, Ashique Kuruniyan was handed new responsibility by Carles Cuadrat in Bengaluru's opening match against NorthEast United. The Indian international continued to operate in the same role against Goa too, but it all went downhill for him and Cuadrat in the final five minutes at Fatorda.
Ashique gifted the penalty to Goa, which changed the game for the host, as he brought down Coro in the box. Even before the penalty was awarded, Brandon Fernandes appealed for a hand-ball against Ashique, close to the box.
Perhaps the new role looks to be not beneficial for Ashique, who seems to be error-prone in the role. It remains to be seen if Cuadrat would bring him back on the left of midfield, which is his usual position, from now on.
4) Seriton emerging as Goa's hero
Right-back Seriton Fernandes yet again put up an impressive display in defence and also contributed in setting up some attacks for Goa.
The 27-year-old full-back was involved in building play from the back on certain occasions, while also pulling off all-important tackles to ensure a clean slate for his side.
His biggest moment of the match was when he kept Chhetri away from scoring, seven minutes after Udanta opened the scoring for the visitor.
With a last-ditch clearance, he kept out Udanta's cross, which was aimed for an onrushing Chhetri to double the lead.
Also, in the first half, Seriton got the better of two Bengaluru defenders, thanks to his footwork, before dinking the ball for Manvir in the box for a chance.
With four tackles, five clearances, one block, and a 76% passing accuracy, Seriton had a good role to play in Goa's vital draw.
Comments
SHARE