The RFDL National Championship 2025-26 reached its heart-pounding conclusion at the Bambolim Athletic Stadium as Bengaluru FC claimed their third title in a match that will be remembered for its sheer intensity. 

From the opening whistle, the stakes were clear, and the action began as early as the 4th minute when a dangerous scoring chance for FC Goa was denied by a brilliant display of defense from the Bengaluru boys. The Blues found their own rhythm in the 12th minute, nearly breaking the deadlock through Ningthoukhongjam Singh, whose effort narrowly missed the mark. As the physical battle ramped up, the match saw a thunderous collision between FC Goa’s Shaikh Mohamad Ismail and Bengaluru’s Haobam Meetei, as both players went flying into the sponsor boards in a pursuit of the ball.

As the first half wound down, Bengaluru’s goalkeeper Aheibam Singh proved his worth with a sharp save in the 41st minute. Deep into extra time at the 47th minute, FC Goa earned a corner kick that provided them a golden opportunity, but it ultimately went to vain. Coming out of the break, Bengaluru FC asserted total control, commanding a staggering 60% ball possession with clinical gameplay. The pressure nearly paid off in the 55th minute in what was a heartbreakingly close call; Haobam Meetei orchestrated a perfect move to find Taorem Singh, whose strike rattled the post. Despite FC Goa’s resolute defensive setup, which has been the hallmark of their tournament run, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 81st minute when the relentless Haobam Meetei fired home the winning and only goal.