Margao: Ferran Corominas scored the fastest hat-trick in the competition as FC Goa hammered Kerala Blasters 5-2 in a high-scoring enthralling match of the Indian Super League.
Goa dominated the match, especially the second half, and scored through a brace from Manuel Lanzarote Bruno (9th and 18th minute) and Ferran Corominas Telechea (47th, 51st and 54th) at the Nehru Stadium.
Kerala Blasters reduced the margin through Mark Sifneos (7th) and Jackichand Singh (30th).
With the win, FC Goa took their tally to nine points from four matches, the same as Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC, and are placed second behind leader Bengaluru FC on account of inferior goal difference.
While Kerala Blasters suffered their first defeat, they remained on 8th position with three points from four matches.
With C K Vineeth not playing because of suspension that he received in the last match, Kerala Blasters received another setback after Iain Hume was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. They suffered yet another injury setback within the first few minutes as Dimitar Berbatov had to be taken off.
But the visitors got their act together and surprised the home team with an early goal with goalkeeper Laximan Kattimani fumbling after getting to the ball in the eighth minute.
Jackichand, who was the livewire on the right, sent a cross into the box for Mark Sifneos who controlled the ball and essayed a shot that the keeper let go of.
FC Goa retaliated and restored parity two minutes later.
Eduardo Bedia worked his way and laid a pass to Narayan Das who, from the left, sent a cross into the box for Manuel Lanzarote Bruno to volley home.
FC Goa controlled the proceedings thereafter with Edu Bedia orchestrating the moves by combining with Manuel Lanzarote Bruno, Brandan Fernandes and Corominas Telechea.
On the 18th minute, Kerala Blasters keeper Rachubka made an error with his clearance as he kicked the ball straight to Corominas, who passed it to Manuel Lanzarote, who then got the better of the rival defenders and placed the ball between defender Ahmed Jahouh and Mohammed Ali and and into the far corner of the net.
Kerala Blasters again restored parity in the 30th minute through a set piece move.
Jackichand Singh played a one-two with Milan and split the rival defence. The former, after receiving the ball, dogged past couple of rival defenders and placed the ball past an onrushing Kattimani to make it 2-2 heading into the half time.
FC Goa came with renewed ideas and took the lead two minutes after the break. It was a poor goal-kick by keeper Racheubko who saw the ball land at the feet of Jahouh who played a through pass to Ferran Corominas Telechea.
Four minutes later, Corminas again scored when he received the ball from a Brandon Fernandes cross from the right as he sliced the ball in between two rival defenders to find the far corner of the net.
Muelesteen's side looked shell-shocked and the defence was breached again in the 54th minute. Lanzarote’s low cross from the right was turned in by Coro who duly completed his hat-trick.
The visitors tried to get back into the game but couldn't find a way.
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