FCG vs EBFC HIGHLIGHTS: Iker Guarrotxena complete HATTRICK , FC Goa move closer to ISL Playoffs with win against East Bengal FC

FCG vs EBFC HIGHLIGHTS: FC Goa 4-2 East Bengal FC HIGHLIGHTS in ISL 2023 –FC Goa is currently ranked third in the points standings. They were quite effective in the first half, and thanks to Iker Guarrotxena’s hat trick, FCG was in a strong position. Although East Bengal FC struggled on both ends of the field, they made considerable progress in the second half. Prior to it, though, FCG increased their advantage to four goals all because of a superb free kick by Brandon Fernandes. Suhair Vadakkepeedika and Sarthak Golui’s headers helped EBFC claw back a couple of goals, but it was never going to be enough. Follow Indian Super League and ISL 2022-23 HIGHLIGHTS on InsideSport.IN.

FCG vs EBFC HIGHLIGHTS: Iker Guarrotxena complete first-half HATTRICK , FC Goa move closer to ISL Playoffs with 4-2 win against East Bengal FC – Check HIGHLIGHTS

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FCG vs EBFC HIGHLIGHTS: Iker Guarrotxena complete first-half HATTRICK , FC Goa move closer to ISL Playoffs with 4-2 win against East Bengal FC – Check HIGHLIGHTS

he Gaurs made no changes to their lineup from the previous game as head coach Carlos Pena only changed the formation from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-1-2-3. The Torch Bearers made three changes that saw the inclusion of Ivan Gonzalez, Jerry Lalrinzuala and Sumeet Passi in the starting XI.

The slight tweak in formation added more attacking prowess to an FC Goa side that was eager to pull clear of the vulnerable playoff spots. It did not take long to see Pena’s gamble work as the hosts were in possession of a commanding 3-0 lead after just 23 minutes.

Fortress means 3⃣ points 🧡💪🏻#ForcaGoa #UzzoOnceAgain #FCGEBFC #HeroISL pic.twitter.com/7oZfaWvL3J

— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) January 26, 2023

It all began in the 11th minute, when Devendra Murgaonkar slid a through ball into the box from the right towards Noah Sadaoui. Under pressure from Passi, the winger poked it into the path of Guarrotxena, who tucked it in from close range. Ten minutes later, Guarrotxena doubled his tally with a spectacular diving header. This time, the attack started from the left flank as Sadaoui whipped a pin-point delivery into the box and Guarrotxena’s glancing header bounced off the far post and landed inside the goal.

The Spaniard completed his hat-trick just two minutes later. Brandon Fernandes’ corner was headed away from goal by Fares Arnout before Sanson Pereira headed it back into the box. The EBFC defence was caught on the wrong foot as Guarrotxena lifted the ball into the back of the net from close range.

FCG vs EBFC HIGHLIGHTS: Iker Guarrotxena complete first-half HATTRICK , FC Goa move closer to ISL Playoffs with 4-2 win against East Bengal FC – Check HIGHLIGHTS

Seven minutes into the second half, Lalchungnunga brought Brandon down near the edge of the box. Edu Bedia and Brandon stood over the free-kick before the latter managed to curl it in at the far post to increase FC Goa’s advantage. The visitors mounted a brief challenge, when an unmarked Suhair VP nodded in Mahesh Singh’s cross from close range in the 59th minute and Sarthak Golui brought the deficit down to two in the 66th minute with another header.

But they had left themselves too much to do. At the very end, Redeem Tlang’s low strike was palmed onto the post by Kamaljit Singh in the 80th minute, and Mahesh’s 87th-minute effort at the other end was slightly wide at the near post as both sides looked for more goals. But the scoreline remained unchanged till the full-time whistle.

FC Goa have moved up into third place, although Kerala Blasters, ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC have two games in hand just below them. Edu Bedia picked up his fourth yellow card of the season and will miss the Gaur’s next encounter against Odisha FC on February 6. East Bengal FC are quickly running out of time and will take on Kerala Blasters in their next Hero ISL game on February 3.

FCG vs EBFC HIGHLIGHTS: Iker Guarrotxena complete first-half HATTRICK , FC Goa move closer to ISL Playoffs with 4-2 win against East Bengal FC – Check HIGHLIGHTS

FC Goa XI: Dheeraj Moirangthem (GK), Sanson Pereira, Anwar Ali, Mohamed Fares Arnaout, Aibanbha Dohling, Eduardo Bedia Pelaez, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Iker Guarrotxena, Brandon Fernandes (C), Noah Wail Sadaoui, Devendra Murgaonkar.

East Bengal FC XI: Kamaljit Singh (GK), Charis Kyriakou, Lalchungnunga, Ivan Gonzalez, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Mobashir Rahman, Jordan O’Doherty, Sumeet Passi, Suhair Vadakkepeedika, Cleiton Silva (C), Naorem Singh.