Margao: Kerala Blasters suffered their third loss in the last four matches, where Goa exposed the defensive weakness of the team that has been struggling with poor form throughout the season. 

Goa scored two goals against the Blasters at the Fatorda stadium on Saturday, giving enough headroom for manager TG Purushothaman to devise a plan for the Kerala side to end their campaign on a high note.

Iker Guarrotxena opened the scoring for Goa in the 46th minute, giving them control of the game. Mohammad Yasir completed the scoreline with a goal in the 73rd minute.

Helped by the win, Goa improved their chances of securing the ISL shield, sitting second in the table with 42 points, seven behind leaders Mohun Bagan. Meanwhile, Blasters' woes continue as they currently stand at 10th, with just 24 points and seven wins from 21 matches. The chances of the Kerala side qualifying for the playoff have also gone down, with the team only having 3 games in hand. 

Goa dominated the game from the first minute but was denied a goal in the first half. Blasters' Montenegrin defender, Dusan Lagator, received a yellow card in the 6th minute for a foul on Goa's Drazic. In the 20th minute, Goa's Carl McHugh missed a header from a pass by Yasir, a big relief for the away fans. Goa focused on containing Blasters captain Luna throughout the first half. In the 38th minute, Udanta Singh's goal attempt from Yasir's cross was thwarted by Blasters defender Dohling. 

After taking an early lead in the second half, Goa never allowed the Basters to settle and take control. In the 68th minute, Blasters appealed for a penalty after Vibin Mohanan's shot hit a Goa player's hand, but the referee only awarded a corner.  In the final ten minutes, Goa intensified their attack, leading to Yasir's goal. Guarrotxena provided an accurate pass from inside the box, which Yasir converted, making the score 2-0.

This is Goa's second win against Kerala this season. Blasters' next match is against Jamshedpur FC in Kochi on March 1st.

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