Spanish forward Iker Guarrotxena struck a brilliant hat-trick to guide FC Goa to a commanding 3-0 win over Gokulam Kerala FC and seal a quarterfinal berth in the Kalinga Super Cup at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar on Monday.
Guarrotxena scored twice in the first half before adding another goal in the second session to ensure the Gaurs began their Super Cup campaign in an emphatic fashion.
From the outset, FC 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 ISL 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 to the spot. Guarrotxena confidently stepped up and sent Shibinraj Kunniyil the wrong way to give Goa the lead.
Just twelve later, Aakash Sangwan ignited the left wing, whipping in a pinpoint cross. Guarrotxena, made no mistake and extended Goa’s lead before break.
Manolo Marquez’s men put the result beyond doubt in the 71st minute as Guarrotxena completed his hattrick.
