A 10-men FC Goa managed to fend off a tough press from Kerala Blasters to settle for a point with a 1-1 draw in the Indian Super League on Saturday. The Gaurs took the lead through a 25th-minute strike from Jorge Ortiz Mendoza, while Rahul KP (57th) scored with a brilliant header in the second half.

Kerala was lucky not to concede early in the game. The on-field chemistry between Alberto Noguera and Ortiz has been creating problems for opponents and on Saturday, the duo combined once again, in what would have been a well-worked goal.

The Gaurs deservingly took the lead in the 25th minute from a set-piece. Ortiz’s freekick from the left took a slight deflection off Sahal Abdul Samad’s head and looped over Gomes.

Goa were reduced to 10 men in the second half after Ivan Gonzalez received marching orders following two yellow cards within a span of seconds. Goa started with what they do best — playing intriguing short passes, maintaining maximum ball possession, and keeping Kerala on the back foot.

The result saw FC Goa remain on the third spot with 20 points while Kerala Blasters are at the seventh spot with 14.