In a fiercely contested match at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, FC Goa displayed remarkable resilience to secure a goalless draw against Bengaluru FC in the 2023-24 edition of the Indian Super League (ISL).

This encounter marked the Gaurs’ fourth outing of the league season, and they entered the contest with an impressive streak of three consecutive victories against Punjab FC, Odisha FC and East Bengal FC. Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC were determined to put an end to the visitors’ winning spree which they did in the end, although they failed to take all the points home.

The first half of the match was marked by a series of close calls and crucial saves from both sides. In the 9th minute, Bengaluru FC’s captain Sunil Chhetri tested FC Goa’s goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh with a well-placed attempt, but his diving save denied the hosts an early lead.

FC Goa responded immediately when Victor Rodriguez took a pass from Carlos Martinez and unleashed a powerful shot that was expertly saved by Gurpreet Singh, Bengaluru’s goalkeeper.

Throughout the first half, Manolo Marquez’s boys showcased their attacking prowess, with Jay Gupta, Carl McHugh Rowllin Borges making valiant efforts on goal on multiple occasions. Borges’ left-footed attempt from the center of the box in the 36th minute was particularly noteworthy but was met with a remarkable save by Gurpreet.

The second half saw no shortage of action as Jay Gupta, once again, tested the hosts’ shot-stopper, this time with a left-footed shot from outside the box in the 50th minute.

Simon Grayson’s boys then saw Rohit Danu’s attempt saved by Arshdeep in the 51st minute. In return, Rowllin Borges had a close call once again in the 57th minute for the Men in Orange, but his right-footed shot narrowly missed the target.

Both teams continued to exchange possession in phases for the remainder of the game, creating chances at will, but a lack of ideas in terms of finishing meant the match ended goalless.

Following the result against Bengaluru FC, Manolo Marquez’s boys have kept their unbeaten run intact in the league, also leapfrogging Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the top of the standings with 10 points from four matches.

Their next assignment in the league will be another clash away from home, against Chennaiyin FC on November 5.