Bengaluru FC produced a masterclass in control and attacking precision to defeat Gokulam Kerala FC 4–0 in their Group C encounter of the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Margao.
With this emphatic win, the Blues climbed to the top of the table alongside Punjab FC, both teams locked on six points and an identical +6 goal difference, setting up a blockbuster final group match on November 5 a game that will decide who progresses to the semifinals. Bengaluru FC wasted no time asserting dominance. The first breakthrough came as early as the seventh minute, when midfielder Sirojiddin Kuziev split Gokulam’s backline with a clever through-ball that found Ryan Williams in space. The Australian winger kept his composure, sliding the ball past goalkeeper Rakshit Dagar to make it 1–0.
That early strike established the tone of the contest. Bengaluru, led by Sunil Chhetri, were relentless in pressing high and maintaining tempo. Their midfield trio Kuziev, Rohit Kumar, and Javi Hernández dictated the rhythm, forcing Gokulam into hurried clearances. The Malabarians, meanwhile, struggled to gain any meaningful possession in the final third, relying on counterattacks that fizzled out before troubling Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in goal.
The gulf in quality and cohesion became apparent as the half progressed. Bengaluru were slick and organised, rotating the ball across flanks, while Gokulam’s back four led by Aibanbha Dohling appeared overworked and disjointed.
Vinith Doubles the Lead Before Half-Time
Despite their early control, Bengaluru had to wait until the 44th minute for their second. Kelvin, operating on the left wing, embarked on a driving run that split two defenders before cutting the ball back for Vinith Venkatesh. The youngster finished coolly with his left foot, the ball sliding under Dagar’s arms to make it 2–0 just before halftime. It was a dagger blow for Gokulam, who had looked marginally more settled in the previous ten minutes. As the whistle blew for the break, the body language of the two teams said it all Bengaluru jogged off confidently, while Gokulam’s players trudged toward the tunnel, knowing they faced a mountain to climb.
If Gokulam hoped to regroup after halftime, Bengaluru crushed those hopes within moments of the restart. In the 47th minute, Udanta Singh and Poojary combined neatly on the right flank before the latter slipped a pass into Ryan Williams, who darted behind the defence and finished with his weaker left foot.
That goal Williams’s second of the night effectively ended the contest. Bengaluru were 3–0 up and cruising, playing with freedom and flair. Coach Simon Grayson’s tactical approach pressing high and transitioning quickly worked perfectly against Gokulam’s static backline.
Then, in the 61st minute, came the inevitable Sunil Chhetri, the talismanic captain, joined the party. Timing his run to perfection, he latched on to a diagonal ball from Javi Hernández, took one touch to steady himself, and buried the shot beyond Dagar’s reach. It was Chhetri’s second goal in as many matches, and as he celebrated with his teammates, the traveling Blues supporters in the stands erupted. At 4–0, Bengaluru’s focus shifted slightly they pushed for a fifth, knowing that surpassing Punjab FC’s goal difference could prove decisive. Gokulam, though battered, held on defensively in the final 20 minutes to avoid further humiliation.
Tactical Dominance and Sharp Finishing
This was one of Bengaluru FC’s most complete performances in recent months a blend of controlled possession, sharp execution, and ruthless finishing. Grayson’s men were clinical: every attacking move carried purpose, and defensively, they gave Gokulam no space to exploit. Ryan Williams deservedly earned the spotlight for his brace, showcasing clever positioning and excellent composure in front of goal. Chhetri’s strike reaffirmed his knack for delivering in big matches, while Vinith Venkatesh’s energy down the flanks gave Bengaluru width and dynamism.
In midfield, Sirojiddin Kuziev was instrumental, dictating tempo and creating the first goal. Hernández’s creative influence grew as the game wore on, and the backline marshalled by Sandesh Jhingan and Namgyal Bhutia ensured Gurpreet remained largely untested. For Gokulam Kerala, however, the defeat exposed familiar frailties. Their defensive structure lacked compactness, and transitions from defence to attack were sluggish. Even their star forward Emil Benny struggled to find rhythm, isolated and unable to make inroads against Bengaluru’s pressing structure.
The 4–0 win sees Bengaluru FC move to six points from two games with a +6 goal difference, identical to Punjab FC, who had earlier defeated Mohammedan Sporting 3–0 in Bambolim. Gokulam Kerala, meanwhile, remain without a point after two matches, joining Mohammedan at the bottom of the group.
That sets up a mouth-watering final group clash between Punjab FC and Bengaluru FC on November 5, with both sides aware that only victory will guarantee passage to the semifinals. If the match ends in a draw, the team with the better disciplinary record could even play a role, depending on tiebreakers. For Bengaluru, confidence is soaring. Two matches, eight goals scored, and none conceded the numbers speak of balance and form. Coach Grayson will be particularly pleased with how his squad has managed minutes, maintaining freshness ahead of the decisive fixture.
This Super Cup campaign is shaping into a showcase of intent for Bengaluru FC. After a mixed ISL season, they appear rejuvenated their attacking fluidity and defensive solidity reflecting a team rediscovering its identity. For veterans like Sunil Chhetri, it’s another reminder of his lasting influence, while emerging talents like Vinith and Kuziev hint at a promising future core.
As the final whistle blew in Margao, the Blues’ bench stood applauding. It wasn’t just the scoreline that satisfied them, but the performance the confidence, control, and consistency that now makes their semifinal ambitions very real.
Next stop: a high-stakes showdown with Punjab FC two unbeaten sides, identical records, and one coveted spot in the last four.
Final Score: Bengaluru FC 4–0 Gokulam Kerala FC
(Ryan Williams 7’, 47’; Vinith Venkatesh 44’; Sunil Chhetri 61’)
Bengaluru FC and Punjab FC now jointly lead Group C with six points each and a goal difference of +6. Wednesday’s clash in Bambolim promises to decide who roars loudest into the semifinals.
