ISL | Clash of titans as BFC hosts FCG

Bengaluru FC faces FC Goa after a win, aiming to maintain form in the Indian Super League.

Following a rousing, Sunil Chhetri-inspired 4-2 home win over Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru FC will look to stabilise its undulating Indian Super League form when it welcomes FC Goa to the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday.

BFC is tied on points with leader Mohun Bagan (23) but has lost twice and drawn once in its last five games. In the first six matches, BFC had conceded a solitary goal. In the five fixtures since then, it has shipped 12.

Head coach Gerard Zaragoza, though, is unperturbed. “We are not happy to concede, but we are winning,” he insisted on Friday.

“Even if you concede, but win 4-2, it is spectacular. As a coach, you want a clean sheet. But the bigger priority is winning.”

Goa, on the other hand, has seen its fortunes turn in the last month. After a paltry six points from the opening six ties, Manolo Marquez’s outfit, starting with the 3-0 home victory against BFC, has won four on the trot. After BFC, Goa will meet favourites Bagan and Odisha, a stretch that will test its mettle.

“This is a very competitive season,” Marquez said. “Last year, by this time, only the sixth playoff position was open. But this season, I wouldn’t bet who would be in the top six”.