Goa, November 6: Bengaluru FC produced a dramatic late comeback in the closing stages to secure a 2-1 victory over FC Goa in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 fixture at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Friday. Substitute Soham Varshneya emerged as the hero for the visitors, scoring a stoppage-time winner to hand the Blues all three points.

Borja Martínez opened the scoring for Bengaluru in the 12th minute, but FC Goa responded almost immediately through Franchu to restore parity. With both teams unable to find another breakthrough during regular time, Varshneya’s decisive strike in the 90+3rd minute settled an entertaining contest.

The victory lifted Bengaluru FC to third place in the league standings, behind NorthEast United FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The Blues also have a game in hand, putting them in a promising position as the competition progresses.

Bengaluru started the match with attacking intent and were rewarded in the 12th minute. Ryan Williams and Lalremtluanga Fanai combined during an attacking move before the ball reached Borja Martínez. The Spaniard created enough space outside the penalty area before unleashing a powerful left-footed effort that found the back of the net, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage.

However, the lead lasted just five minutes as FC Goa quickly found their response. Muhammed Nemil delivered an excellent pass to Franchu, who took aim from distance and fired a powerful right-footed shot beyond Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. The equaliser brought the home side back into the contest at 1-1.

Both teams continued to search for a winning goal, but neither could establish control during the remainder of the match. Just when the contest appeared destined to end in a draw, Bengaluru produced a decisive attacking move in stoppage time.

In the 90+3rd minute, Ashique Kuruniyan made an impressive forward run, breaking through FC Goa’s defensive structure and creating an opportunity inside the attacking third. Soham Varshneya timed his movement perfectly to meet the delivery before finishing with his left foot to make it 2-1.

The late strike sparked celebrations among the Bengaluru contingent and secured a valuable away victory for the Blues. For FC Goa, the defeat was a frustrating outcome after their quick response to falling behind.

Bengaluru FC will take plenty of confidence from this result, particularly from their ability to find a winner in the dying moments of a closely fought encounter.