ISL: FC Goa vs Bengaluru FC, head-to-head battle in intense rivalry

We will have a rematch of the final from last season as FC Goa will host Bengaluru FC on Monday, October 28. Both the sides are once again the favourites to lift the trophy this season and it will be interesting to see which team comes out on top in this early blockbuster fixture. Bengaluru FC have been a part of the ISL since only 2017 and have already claimed the top prize last season. While FC Goa, who have been a part of the ISL since its inception, have failed to win the trophy yet, coming runners-up twice.  As we await Monday, let's have a look at the head-to-head clashes between the sides.

FC Goa 4-3 Bengaluru FC; November 30, 2017

The first-ever meeting between the two was an entertaining affair as the home side dissed out Bengaluru FC's first defeat in the ISL. It was the early days and the rivalry was probably not even started. Ferran Corominas scored an impressive hat-trick to sink Bengaluru down. But as the scoreline 4-3 suggests, the away side held their own against the Gaurs.

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Bengaluru FC 2-0 FC Goa, February 9, 2018

Bengaluru soon got their revenge in the reverse fixture as they beat Goa comfortably at home. First-half goals from Edu Garcia and Dimas Delgado were enough to see them through. 

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FC Goa 1-2 Bengaluru FC, November 22, 2018

Last season, they beat FC Goa 2-1 in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in what was a very tight affair. Sunil Chettri scored in the 77th minute to give his side the first win in Goa's own turf.

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Bengaluru FC 3-0 FC Goa, February 21, 2019

In the reverse fixture, it was again a one-sided affair as the home sided ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at the end. Striker Miku starred for Bengaluru in the absence of Chettri with a goal and an assist.

Bengaluru FC 1-0 FC Goa, March 17, 2019

The most recent meeting, the final, was as close as it could be. The winner was scored in 117th minute after 90 minutes couldn't separate the two sides. Defender Rahul Bheke won the maiden title for Bengaluru FC when he headed the ball from an inch-perfect corner by Delgado. FC Goa, despite pushing them till the edge, eventually had to settle for runners-up medal.

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Statistics don't lie and it was pretty evident that FC Goa, since their first win, have struggled against Bengaluru, losing four times straight. But this season, it is a clean slate for both the side and FC Goa already have made a fine start to this campaign. Can this be the time they get over Bengaluru FC?