Bengaluru FC Advances to ISL Final Thanks to Sunil Chhetri's Late Heroics

Bengaluru FC Secures ISL Final Spot

Margao (Goa) [India], April 7: Bengaluru FC's head coach, Gerard Zaragoza, praised veteran striker Sunil Chhetri for his crucial contribution as the team clinched a spot in the Indian Super League (ISL) final, overcoming FC Goa with a 3-2 aggregate score in the semi-final.

The Blues entered the second leg with a significant advantage, having won the first leg in Bengaluru. Although FC Goa equalized the aggregate score with a free-kick from Borja Herrera and a header from substitute Armando Sadiku, Chhetri's spectacular header during injury time secured Bengaluru FC's place in the ISL Cup final for the fourth time in the club's history.

“The first half unfolded as we anticipated. FC Goa aimed to dominate, while we focused on maintaining control. They attempted crosses and shots, but nothing particularly threatening. Our goal was to finish the first half at 0-0 or ideally score once. Their first goal came too early, forcing us into a defensive stance,” Zaragoza remarked during the post-match press conference, as reported by ISL.

“We have several players dealing with fatigue or injuries. For instance, Ryan (Williams) was on the bench, and normally, Noguera wouldn’t have played. However, he needed to be on the field. Suresh was injured, and Rahul (Bheke) also had some issues. Yet, having players like Ryan Williams and Sunil Chhetri allows us to make impactful changes in the second half, which can turn the game around. They made a significant difference, and as a coach, that’s incredible,” he added.

Bengaluru FC's strategy focused on solid defensive play throughout the second half. Despite conceding two goals, the team showed resilience and took advantage of their opportunities, with Chhetri's memorable goal sealing their place in the final.

“Football is about those critical moments, being in the right place at the right time, and Sunil Chhetri embodies that. We are fortunate to have him, along with our talented foreign players, a strong Indian defense, and the best goalkeeper in India,” Zaragoza stated.

With the title within reach, Zaragoza expressed his excitement about reaching the final, scheduled for April 12.

“We are BFC. We must remember that we have been in the ISL for 10 years and have reached four finals. That speaks volumes, and now we are here,” he concluded.

“My focus now is on celebrating tonight. After that, we need to recover well. Our goal is to play at home, at the Kanteerava,” he added.