FC Goa 3-2 Kerala Blasters: 3 reasons why the Gaurs emerged victorious against the Blasters | ISL 2019-20

FC Goa got the better of Kerala Blasters as Sergio Lobera's men scored three goals in return to the two from the visitors at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa. Blasters started the game confidently and did not shy away from attacking the Gaurs, who climbed to the top of the Indian Super League table with this result.

However, the Gaurs were the first to score through Hugo Boumous in the 26th minute. Goa rose to a safer position just before half-time as Jackichand Singh connected with Ferran Corominas' cross from the right to double their lead.

After the restart, the Blasters came out as a more organized unit and eventually found a reply through Messi Bouli. Eelco Schattorie's side showed further hopes as they leveled with a Bartholomew Ogbeche's header from a Sergio Cidoncha's corner-kick.

However, in yet another late surge, the hosts secured the vital lead and three points after Boumous met a delightful pass from Ahmed Jahouh and volleyed home his second of the night in the 83rd minute.

Both teams had a fair share of chances and worked hard to get goals With the sixth defeat of the season, Eelco Schattorie's team have almost ended their playoff hopes while Goa are looking like a team who could go all the way in the competition.

Here, we look at 3 reasons why FC Goa managed to clinch the all-important victory.

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#3 FC Goa outfoxed Kerala Blasters mentally

The men in yellow were out of focus and shape in the final quarter of the game. (Image: ISL)

If Kerala Blasters had kept composure throughout the game, they could have taken at least a point home. Many times before this season, the men in yellow were out of focus and shape in the final quarter of the game. After Blasters restored parity, FC Goa were spotted engaging themselves in off-the-ball tussles with the opponents. Sergio Cidoncha, in particular, was targeted by the hosts and numerous such situations forced the defenders to commit mistakes.

The final goal that Hugo Boumous scored was due to some below-par defending from the Blasters personnel. The Kochi-based outfit have already dropped twelve points after leading games this season. With a second consecutive defeat after levelling terms, Blasters have exposed their mental vulnerabilities that cause them lose their composure and the point they worked for before the final whistle.

#2 Blasters' attack through the wings do not yield the result

Mohammed Rakip, Seityasen Singh and Jessel Carneiro all tried to get Kerala's attack going. (Image: ISL)

Kerala Blasters, right from the beginning of the season, have used both their wings as their primary route of attack. Though the end product has often been lacking, the number of crosses sent in has never gone down. Facing FC Goa away from home, this tactic was still on display from Schattorie.

Mohammed Rakip, Seityasen Singh and Jessel Carneiro were all behind dangerous balls into the Goan box. Rakip alone managed to whip in six crosses on the overlap, giving Mandar Rao Dessai a hard time down the flank. Carneiro (5) and Seityasen (6) also gave cause trouble for Goa on the wing.

Though Blasters' first goal of the night came by a move from the right involving Rakip and Seityasen, the plan was more or less read by Lobera soon. The Goan tactician had a perfect reply for the routine as Mourtada Fall was always on his feet to clear out the danger. All notable moves Blasters created out from the wings were due to some poor defending by Fall and Carlos Pena.

Facing a settled team like FC Goa, Blasters should have had better strategies in attack if they had to win the game scoring goals and not defending deep.

#1 FC Goa's attacking brilliance

Boumous' volley was enough to give FC Goa a vital win. (Image: ISL)

Even after a comparatively poor outing from the men at the back, FC Goa managed to hold on to their three points with some inch-perfect activity at the finishing end. Though Lobera's men were not on the attack always, they succeeded at piling pressure on the opposition defense as and when required.

The opener of the night came after some sheer brilliance from Brandon Fernandes in the middle. The India international found Mandar Rao Dessai on the overlap and the full-back whipped in a beautiful cross that Hugo Boumous slotted past TP Rehenesh. The second goal paved by Ferran Corominas and poked in by Jackichand Singh was again a combined team effort from the hosts.

The third and the best moment of the match was created by Ahmed Jahouh's beautiful vision to read Boumous' run into the box. The Frenchman's sumptuous volley was enough to beat the custodian and get back into the lead.

Despite seeing less of the ball and completing fewer crosses and passes, Goa were able to grab the victory with some brilliant finishing of the few chances that came by.