Clash of titans
Familiar foes FC Goa and Mumbai City face off in ISL playoff curtain-raiser
For a side that has been the most consistent team in the history of the Hero Indian Super League, they have secured playoff qualification a record six times, FC Goa have never managed to lift the ISL title. Besides that, they have lost the finals on two occasions.
For the Gaurs, who have come this close, the dream is now lifting their first-ever trophy. They'll be a step closer to that dream if they can put it past League Shield winners Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semifinals at the Fatorda Stadium on Friday.
Having qualified for the playoffs for the fourthstraight time, Goa will be confident of achieving their dream this time around. One of the most entertaining teams in the league, they are only behind Mumbai for goals scored, alongside
NorthEast United.
They have form backing them too, having been unbeaten in 13 games now, a feat
no other side has managed in Hero ISL history. Facing Mumbai will not be an easy task but coach Juan Ferrando
hopes his players 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 due to suspensions. While Goa top the charts for most possession (58%), Mumbai (57%) are not too far behind. Dominating possession has worked for Lobera's side, who have netted a whopping 35 goals.
During the last meeting between the two sides, Ferrando had stated the pressure was on Mumbai to win the League Winners Shield. And having achieved that target, Lobera will aim to prove a lot more to his former employers.
Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has landed here to take part in the team's training camp likely to begin on March 9 in the lead-up to the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The former India captain arrived here late on Wednesday and will serve a five-day quarantine.
CSK tweeted a picture of Dhoni at the airport and wrote: "Thalai-Vaa! Smile with the Mass(k) on! Super Night! #DenComing #WhistlePodu #Yellove."
Former India batsman Ambati Rayudu also reached Chennai on Wednesday while the Tamil Nadu players in the squad will be joining a little later.
"First #Dencoming of the summer from across the border is Manavaadu Bahubali!!! #Yellove #WhistlePodu," CSK posted with a photo of Rayudu.
The camp is likely to get underway from March 9, CSK CEO K S Viswanathan said, adding the players who are available would take part in it.