Bengaluru, Goa in chase of first-ever ISL title win
MUMBAI: The Indian Super League final between Bengaluru FC and FC Goa may turn out to be a story of two forwards.
India’s most prolific striker, Sunil Chhetri, was key to Bengaluru FC’s journey to the final yet again while Spanish forward Ferran Corominas lit up this ISL season for Goa—he’s on top of the tournament’s scoring charts by a wide margin and is second on the assists list.
Both players will be looking to put past disappointments behind them as well. Chhetri will be desperate to wipe out images of last year’s defeat in the final that have haunted him, especially after topping the league handsomely. He wants to see Bengaluru, one of the most consistent teams in the country for the last few years, compete on a regular basis at the continental level and would be itching to get them over the line.
Chhetri, 34, may be in the last stretch of his career, but when it comes to crunch moments, he has always delivered. The forward is ageing with grace, and continues to trouble defenders with his guile and pace.
For Corominas, it’s about getting those goals in crucial matches. He was the top-scorer in the league last season as well, with 18 goals, but failed to score over two legs in the semi-finals against Chennaiyin. Goa bowed out and Chennaiyin went on to win the title by beating Bengaluru. This season, ominously, Corominas did not score against Bengaluru in their two matches, both of which Goa lost.
“It is true I have not been able to score. We did get chances though (against Bengaluru). Every game however is different and we are enthusiastically looking at the final,” said Corominas on the eve of the final.
Goa are the most consistent team in the the ISL’s short history, making it to the semi-finals in four of the five seasons, but does not have a trophy to show for it. They made it to the final in 2015 but lost to Chennaiyin.
Both teams have potent attacks:While Chhetri will have the support of Miku and Udanta Singh, Corominas will have Edu Bedia, Jackichand Singh and Brandon Fernandes for support.
The teams have had contrasting wins in the semi-final with Bengaluru losing the first leg against NorthEast United before bouncing back to win 3-0 at home. Goa killed off their lastfour clash in the first leg, win-
ning 5-1 at Mumbai City FC. They lost the return leg 1-0.
“I know my players. They are eager to play for titles, and they are eager to win trophies. I want them to be calm, to play well and to manage the game in a way that will help us. Finals, in general, bring out one special performance. It happens all over in the history of football. Some players shine spectacularly in the big games,” said Bengaluru FC coach Carles Cuadrat.
Goa coach Sergio Lobera echoed similar sentiments: “Whatever happened in the past stays in the past. The final is a completely different game. It is true that Bengaluru have won more matches against us. But we come here with the intention of winning the final. We can learn from those mistakes.”