According to a press release by ISL, arch rivals Goa and Mumbai City are all set to collide in playoff curtain-raiser at the Indian Super League. For a team that has been the most consistent in the history of the Hero Indian Super League and having secured playoff qualification a record six times, FC Goa have never been able to get their hands on the ISL trophy. Besides that, they have suffered defeats in the finals on two occasions. The Gaurs, who have come this close to the finish line, the dream for them now is to engrave their name on the coveted trophy for the first time. They’ll come an inch closer in realizing that dream if they can put it past League Shield winners Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semis at the Fatorda Stadium on Friday. Goa, having advanced into the playoffs for the fourth successive time are only below Mumbai for goals scored, alongside NorthEast United. Having stood unbeaten in 13 games now, a milestone no other team has reached in the history of ISL , the club has a solid backing of form on their side too. Taking on Mumbai will not be a cake walk but coach Juan Ferrando hopes his men stick to his philosophy as they aim to go all the way. “If we enjoy the game, we will have success,” he said. “Sometimes there is pressure because everybody wants to win but for me, it’s important our players to want to play (our way). I am scared when my team is not playing football (our way) because it’s difficult to help the team. But all our players want to participate and stick to our style.”
However, they will have their task cut out with Ivan Gonzalez and Alberto Noguera missing out owing to suspensions. While Goa remains on top the charts for most possession (58%), Mumbai (57%) isn’t lagging far behind. Dominating possession has worked for Lobera’s team, who have netted a whopping 35 goals. When the two sides locked horns the last time, Ferrando had said that the pressure was on Mumbai to win the League Winners Shield and having achieved that goal, Lobera will aim to prove a lot more to his former employers. “I love when others speak about Mumbai City as a favourite team since they are thinking we are better than them,” he said. “It’s good for us. I love this pressure but we need to prove ourselves on the pitch.” Similar to Ferrando, Lobera too, wants his players to enjoy themselves instead of taking the pressure.
“It’s a special game,” he added. “We need to be smart and ready to play 180 minutes and tomorrow is the first step. We are excited and I hope we enjoy (the challenge). Hugo Boumous will return to the Mumbai side after a four-match ban. The club will miss the services of Amey Ranawade due to his suspension.