Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
FATORDA: Dempo Sports Club's hopes of building on their previous win were dashed in dramatic fashion as they suffered a 4-0 defeat at the hands of a clinical Rajasthan FC in the I-League 2024-25 encounter at the Nehru Stadium on Saturday.
The Goan side’s defensive frailties were exposed time and again, with the visitors taking full advantage of Dempo SC’s struggles. Despite high expectations following their previous win, Samir Naik’s team failed to find their rhythm, with a lack of intensity and tactical shortcomings throughout the match.
Spanish forward Gerard Artigas gave Rajasthan FC the lead just before halftime, connecting with a perfectly timed cross from Alain Oyarzun, as Dempo SC defenders were caught off guard. Goalkeeper Ashish Sibi did well to get a hand to it but couldn’t prevent the ball from crossing the line.
Rajasthan FC doubled their advantage shortly after the break. A chaotic scramble inside Dempo SC’s box allowed Uruguayan substitute Lucas Rodriguez Cabral to pounce and find the back of the net. The frustration for Dempo SC grew as their defenders failed to clear the danger, letting the visitors extend their lead.
Dempo SC’s defensive woes were evident again in the 61st minute when a long ball caught out centre-back Mohamed Ali, allowing Naoba Meetei to calmly slip the ball past an advancing Sibi for Rajasthan FC’s third goal.
With the game winding down, Rajasthan FC put the game to bed in the 86th minute. Oyarzun, who had already assisted in the opening goal, sealed the emphatic victory with a powerful left-footed strike from outside the box, set up by Cabral.
The result leaves Dempo SC in a difficult position, staying in 8th place with just 14 points from 12 matches. With the loss, their hopes of turning around their season after a promising win appear distant. On the other hand, Rajasthan FC continued their impressive run, staying unbeaten in their last eight matches and climbing to 4th place with 19 points, level on points with third-placed Gokulam Kerala FC.
RESULT
Dempo SC 0 Rajasthan United FC 4 (Artigas 45’, L Rodríguez Cabral 49’, P N Meitei 61’, A Oyarzun 86’)