FOOTBALL
Athletic Bilbao hold Barcelona
Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona played out a 1-1 draw at San Mames in the second match week of La Liga.
Barcelona moved to the top of the table, but Real Madrid, Sevilla, and Atletico Madrid can topple them today if they win their respective games.
Ronald Koeman went with the same lineup that earned his team a 4-2 win against Real Sociedad.
Neto held on to his spot since Marc-Andre ter Stegen is going through post-op rehabilitation. The German shot-stopper had surgery on his right knee in May to treat his patellar tendon problems.
Brathwaite misses
Barca’s last match hero Martin Braithwaite had a golden opportunity to open the scoring early in the game.
Five minutes after kick-off, the Denmark international found himself in an enticing position inside the Bilbao box, with only Julen Agirrezabala to beat.
But, Braithwaite couldn’t force the young goalkeeper into action as he shot well over the target.
Barcelona were almost made to pay for their wastefulness in front of the opposition box when Oihan Sancet received the ball in a favorable location.
The Barca dugout heaved a sigh of relief at the sight of Sancet’s ferocious strike ricocheting off the crossbar.
Inaki Williams tormented the Barcelona backline throughout the match.
Serginho Dest and Eric Garcia, in particular, would not be looking forward to defending against the lightning-fast Spanish winger anytime soon.
Things got worse for the visitors when Gerard Pique had to limp off the pitch halfway through the first half, so Koeman had to send in Ronald Araujo.
Barcelona players were happy to see the referee whistling for the first time interval as the hosts were building up more and more momentum in their attacks.
Barca, on the other hand, couldn’t register an attempt for the rest half of the half after Agirrezabala stopped Depay’s lower right corner bound shot from going in.
Second half action
However, things didn’t change much after the break. Williams picked up where he left off as Neto secured his on-target attempt in the first minute of the second half.
Bilbao kept on pressing their opponents and they got rewarded for their persistence in the 50th minute.
Iker Munian fired in a delicious cross into the box and Inigo Martinez headed it past Neto into the Barca goal.
Conceding the goal unlocked a sense of urgency in Barcelona’s attacking play.
Frankie de Jong nearly equalized with a nifty chip, but it was Depay who came to Barca’s rescue five minutes later.
Sergi Roberto found Depay roaming around the D-box, and the Dutchman pulled the trigger to register his maiden goal for the Blaugrana.
Before the final whistle, both teams came close to scoring the winner. Depay’s shot narrowly missed the left corner in the 86th minute.
Four minutes later, Nico Williams was denied by Neto.
Barca ended the match with 10-men after Eric Garcia was sent off in injury time for a reckless challenge on Nico Williams.
FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.
Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.
The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!
FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.
The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.
FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.
FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!
Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.
The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.
Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.
Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.
This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.
Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.
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