Super Cup: FC Goa start on the front foot with Iker hat-trick against Gokulam Kerala

Panaji: FC Goa kickstarted their Super Cup campaign on a winning note with Iker Guarrotxena scoring a hat-trick in the 3-0 win against Gokulam Kerala FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Monday.

In a clash between the second-placed team in the top-tier Indian Super League (ISL) and the fourth-placed team in I-League, Goa were the favourites to sail through and they ensured it was smooth sailing from start to finish.

Guarrotxena (23’ minute penalty, 35’, 71’) netted a superb hat-trick, with two goals in the first half and a third after the break.

From the outset, Goa controlled possession, dictated the tempo, and created multiple openings. In contrast, Gokulam Kerala struggled to find rhythm or match the pace and organisation of their opponents.

The breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute when Dejan Drazic was fouled inside the box by Salam Ranjan Singh, prompting the referee to point at the spot. Guarrotxena stepped up and sent Shibinraj Kunniyil the wrong way to give Goa the lead.

The second goal followed just 12 minutes later. Aakash Sangwan surged down the left flank and delivered a precise cross into the danger zone, where Guarrotxena timed his run to perfection and slotted home with ease, doubling the advantage before the interval.

Gokulam Kerala came out stronger in the second half, enjoying more possession and showing signs of a fightback. They struck the crossbar and looked more threatening going forward, but their resurgence was halted midway through the half.

In the 71st minute, Goa put the result beyond doubt with a slick passing move that culminated in Guarrotxena receiving a well-placed ball in the box. With admirable composure, the Spaniard completed his hat-trick, calmly guiding the ball past the keeper to make it 3-0.

From there on, Goa's defence, marshalled expertly, ensured no slip-ups as they comfortably saw out the match to seal their place in the last eight.
Coach Manolo Marquez handed Alan Saji the chance to prove himself late in the second half. The promising forward who has made a comeback from injury after seven months on the sidelines almost found the back of the net after being picked inside the box by Guarrotxena but his close-range effort was blocked by the defender.