Bengaluru, April 3 – The Blues will aim to continue their winning streak when they travel to Fatorda to face an unbeaten FC Goa side in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.
When the two teams met here during the league stage, the hosts handed the Blues their first defeat of the 24/25 season. This time around, the Gaurs, having been the only undefeated side in this truncated season so far, are currently in sixth place, one position below the visitors.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC, who have been on a solid run of three consecutive wins, will look to extend their performance, with forwards Ryan Williams and Ashique Kuruniyan in top form after performing brilliantly in the international break for the Senior Men's Team, who beat Hong Kong 2-1 in Kochi on Tuesday, with the former scoring his debut goal for the Blue Tigers.
The Blues will face a tough challenge on Sunday as they come up against a very strong defense, with Sandesh Jhingan and Pol Moreno holding down the middle, while Aakash Sangwan and Boris Singh Thangjam will take care of the defenses on the flanks. FC Goa, along with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, are the only two teams to have conceded the fewest goals so far (3) this season.
"Ryan and Ashique have been solid for us so far. Ryan had a great debut with India, and Ashique has played and won the League with MBSG. The staff and players here have pushed to bring out the best in him," said Renedy Singh, the BFC Head Coach.
The hosts, on the other hand, will aim to build on their impressive record so far this season and maintain their momentum going into the second half of the League. Their star player of the season, Dejan Drazic, will have to be alert and on his guard as he looks to navigate this stubborn Bengaluru defense led by Rahul Bheke. The Blues have conceded only five goals this season so far.
This match will be a closely contested affair in the coastal city on Saturday, as both teams have prepared well over the break to be in good shape for a match that could define the season for both teams going forward.
"The coach has actually given me a lot of freedom, which I think is very important for a player like me, to not feel a lot of pressure and to be able to express myself on the pitch. It has been very helpful, and I can play with confidence," said midfielder Soham Varshneya when asked about his role in the squad.