Captain Marvel! Sunil Chhetri Sends Bengaluru FC Into ISL Final
A dramatic stoppage-time header by the veteran skipper takes BFC past FC Goa 3-2 on aggregate to book ISL final berth.
BNH NETWORK
Madgaon,Goa - In what can only be described as a vintage Sunil Chhetri moment, the Indian football legend delivered a dramatic stoppage-time header to help Bengaluru FC secure a 3-2 aggregate win over FC Goa and storm into the Indian Super League 2025 final at the Fatorda Stadium on Sunday night.
Though FC Goa clinched a 2-1 victory on the night, it wasn’t enough to overturn Bengaluru’s two-goal advantage from the first leg. Chhetri’s clutch finish proved to be the decider in an electrifying semifinal second leg.
Both teams came out swinging, with Goa dominating possession early on. Iker Guarrotxena, Dejan Drazic and Udanta Singh kept Bengaluru’s defense on its toes. Despite several near misses, the opening half remained goalless thanks to heroics from BFC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who made crucial saves.
The second half turned tense as Borja Herrera broke the deadlock with a stunning free-kick after Sivasakthi’s foul. Goa kept pressing and equalized the aggregate score to 2-2 when Armando Sadiku headed home a cross from Aakash Sangwan.
Just as the match seemed destined for extra time, Sunil Chhetri rose to the occasion, connecting with Namgyal Bhutia’s cross to head home the match-winning goal in the final seconds — sparking wild celebrations among the Blues' supporters.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS:
- Sunil Chhetri’s 90+4’ header was his 7th ISL goal this season.
- Goa dominated possession (60%) but couldn’t capitalize on early chances.
- Bengaluru’s goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh made 5 crucial saves, including a stunning double-save from Guarrotxena.
- BFC to face the winner of Jamshedpur FC vs Mohun Bagan in the final.
- Gerard Zaragoza's tactical substitutions paid dividends, solidifying BFC's defense late on.
