PANAJI
Always one of the pre-season favourites to make it to the Indian Super League Playoffs, FC Goa find themselves in a tricky situation to seal a semi-finals spot with two games to go.
The Gaurs got back to winning ways in their last game against Odisha FC after a laborious stretch of six straight draws. They extended their unbeaten run to 11 games but dropped points in nine draws means the Gaurs are on the edge going into the final stretch of the league phase, which they topped last season to secure a historic AFC Champions League berth.
Juan Ferrando’s men are fourth, level on points with Hyderabad FC and NorthEast United as the three fight it out for the final two spots in the playoffs. However, pitted against them on Sunday at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda are Bengaluru FC “ the former champions who are ahead in the head-to-head between the teams. The Blues, who stunned second-placed Mumbai City FC in their last outing, have won five times, lost once and drawn twice, including the reverse fixture against FC Goa earlier in the campaign which ended 2-2.
They are five points adrift of the top four but still have a slim chance of getting there, should they win their remaining matches and see their playoff rivals drop points.
For the Gaurs, one major concern has been their defence which has failed to record a clean sheet in seven games. And anything less than a victory on Sunday could see them lose their top-four place. With both sides desperate for a win, FC Goa coach Ferrando knows a lot is at stake.
"It will a difficult game because for them and us. It's important to get the three points," Ferrando said. "With three points we have more opportunities to reach the playoffs and Bengaluru need six points in their last two games. It will be a good game because both of us have the same mentality. It will be an emotional game."
Bengaluru interim coach Naushad Moosa insisted that his side aren't putting much pressure on themselves. "We are not taking too much pressure (about qualifying for the top-four)," he said. "A victory will take us close and give us that chance to be in the playoffs. not to forget that just being desperate for a win will spoil our plan. We want to be calm and focused and just play our game."
BFC will not have it easy as they face one of the most potent attacks in the league. Sixteen of FC Goa's 26 goals have come in the second half. Furthermore, the Gaurs have scored 10 goals in the last 15 minutes, the most by any team. "They keep the ball well, they are good in possession. It will not be easy for us. They have been scoring late goals which we have to be careful about," Moosa added.
