FC Goa secured their place in the Kalinga Super Cup quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC at the Kalinga Stadium, thanks to a stunning hat-trick by Spanish striker Iker Guarrotxena.
Having finished second in the Indian Super League (ISL) this season, Goa entered the tournament determined to make an impact, and Guarrotxena’s brilliance ensured a flying start to their campaign.
FC Goa asserted control from the outset, dictating the pace of play while Gokulam Kerala struggled to gain a foothold. The first breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute, when Dejan Drazic was brought down inside the penalty box by Salam Ranjan Singh. Guarrotxena confidently stepped up to take the penalty, sending goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunniyil the wrong way to make it 1-0.
Just 12 minutes later, FC Goa doubled their lead with an expertly crafted move. Left-back Aakash Sangwan sprinted down the flank, delivering an inch-perfect cross into the danger zone. Guarrotxena, showing impeccable timing, slotted the ball past the keeper to register his second goal of the night.
Despite a stronger second-half performance from Gokulam Kerala, their efforts went unrewarded. The 71st minute saw FC Goa complete their triumph when Guarrotxena latched onto a well-placed ball inside the box, calmly slotting home his third goal to secure an emphatic victory.
While Goa’s attacking prowess took center stage, their defense was equally formidable, expertly marshaling the backline to prevent any breakthroughs from their opponents. Gokulam Kerala, despite moments of promise, failed to break down the ISL heavyweights, hitting the crossbar but ultimately struggling to convert chances.
What’s Next?
With this win, FC Goa advances to the quarter-finals and will be looking to maintain their momentum. Meanwhile, Gokulam Kerala must reflect on their performance and aim for better execution in their upcoming matches.
The Kalinga Super Cup action resumes on April 23, 2025, featuring matches between Bengaluru FC vs. Inter Kashi (4:30 PM IST) and Mumbai City FC vs. Chennaiyin FC (8 PM IST), streamed live on JioHotstar.
