SPORTS

“We Are Confident”: Zaragoza on Bengaluru FC’s Mentality Ahead of Second Leg in Goa

April 3, 2025 2 min read

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 3 (ANI): Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza expressed satisfaction after his team’s 2-0 victory over FC Goa in the first leg of the ISL semi-final at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Wednesday.

The Blues, who had failed to beat FC Goa in the league stage, finally turned the tables on home turf. An own goal by Sandesh Jhingan in the first half and Edgar Mendez’s clinical second-half finish ensured Bengaluru FC took a commanding 2-0 lead ahead of the return leg in Goa.

Zaragoza’s Milestone and Praise for Players

With this victory, Zaragoza became only the third head coach in ISL history to win his first two Playoff games, following Simon Grayson and Petr Kratky. It was also his first victory over Manolo Marquez in the league (D1 L2).

Zaragoza praised FC Goa’s strength but highlighted his squad’s fighting spirit and playoff mentality:

“Before the game against Mumbai City FC, during those 10 days, the team showed this playoff mood, and you could see that we are confident,” Zaragoza said in the post-match press conference.

“We knew FC Goa is one of the best teams in this league, so we needed to enter with the right mindset. I think we deserved this win, and we could have even scored more goals.”

Indian Defensive Line Shines

Bengaluru FC played with an all-Indian defense, led by captain Rahul Bheke, alongside Namgyal Bhutia, Chinglensana Singh, and Naorem Roshan Singh. Their solid defensive display resulted in back-to-back clean sheets in the playoffs.

Bheke made 16 clearances – the most by a Bengaluru FC player in ISL history.
Bhutia, named Player of the Match, impressed as a right full-back.

Zaragoza lauded his defenders:

“They are in an amazing moment. Bhutia, Man of the Match, Roshan, and the center-backs were very good. Their form allows us to play an extra foreigner upfront. I hope they continue like this.”