Gaurs are smarting from season's first loss vs BFC
PANAJI
FC Goa will look to bounce back from their first loss of the season as they face Odisha FC in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda on Friday. The kick-off is 7.30 pm.
In the early kick-off, Sporting Club Delhi, will look to secure their second consecutive victory after earning their first win of the season in their last fixture, when they face NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati in a 5 pm kick-off.
FC Goa return to Fatorda seeking a response after a 0-2 defeat to Bengaluru FC that snapped their unbeaten run. Having slipped to seventh place with 10 points, head coach Manolo Márquez’s side must convert their draws into wins. They have four draws from seven matches. Claiming three points would elevate Goa to 13.
Odisha FC travel to Goa, aiming to rebound from a 0-1 defeat to league leaders Mumbai City FC. Despite a resolute defensive display marshalled by Carlos Delgado and crucial saves from goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, the Juggernauts conceded a 73rd-minute header.
Currently tenth with five points from as many matches, Odisha FC will look to climb up the table and with games in hand, a win tomorrow will boost their chances.
FC Goa have dominated this matchup, boasting 15 victories to Odisha FC's three across 24 ISL meetings, alongside six draws. The Gaurs claimed a 2-1 victory in their most recent clash at Goa in February 2025.
Reflecting on their recent performances and the final stretch of the season, FC Goa head coach Manolo Márquez demanded a sharper start from his team.
"I was disappointed with how we started. You cannot concede so early against an experienced team like Bengaluru. Even if statistics showed we had more possession and corners, they controlled the game," Márquez explained. "Still, I’m satisfied with the squad and believe we can have a good season."
Looking at the standings with just six matches remaining, the Spanish tactician added, "We are in mid-table, so it’s also a moment to give chances to other players. We still have six games and can fight for something more, although it will be difficult to reach the top positions."
Assessing Odisha FC, Márquez praised their resilience. "They are well organised defensively. Before the competition, I thought they might struggle because they didn’t train early, but they are competing very well," he noted. "They have experienced players and are very competitive. It will be a difficult game. The team that scores first will have a big advantage."
