Agencies
Bhubaneswar
FC Goa will aim to maintain their unbeaten away run as they face Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium in the Indian Super League today. The Gaurs, currently on a six-match unbeaten streak on the road, boast a formidable record against Odisha FC, having never lost to the Juggernauts in ISL history.
While Odisha FC sit sixth in the standings with 20 points from 13 games, FC Goa have enjoyed a stellar campaign, occupying third place with 22 points from 12 matches. Odisha, however, enter this clash in fine form, having secured three wins and two draws in their last five outings. Yet, FC Goa edge them with four victories in the same span.
Odisha’s head coach Sergio Lobera will have added motivation as he looks to secure a maiden victory against his former side. The Juggernauts’ strength lies in their precise passing—boasting the league’s second-best pass completion rate (81.3%)—and their dominance in aerial duels, winning 49% compared to FC Goa’s 43.8%. Mourtada Fall has been instrumental in this aspect, with 34 aerial duels won
this season.
On the flip side, FC Goa have relied on defensive solidity, conceding just four goals in their last six games since Sandesh Jhingan’s return. Offensively, Armando Sadiku has been the standout performer, with eight goals to his name. A goal tonight would set his personal best for an ISL season and mark him as a consistent threat against Odisha.
Head coach Manolo Marquez remains unbeaten in his first ISL matches of a calendar year, winning four and drawing one across five instances. However, Marquez has yet to defeat a Sergio Lobera-coached team on the road, drawing twice and losing once in their previous meetings.
In the pre-match press conference, Lobera emphasized Odisha’s focus on reaching the playoffs rather than competing for the League Shield. “Our target is to reach the playoffs. There are better teams than us for the shield, but if the opportunity arises, we’ll fight till the end,” he said.
Marquez, however, reaffirmed FC Goa’s ambition to challenge for the League Shield. “We will fight till the very end. The competition is tough, and tomorrow is another very difficult game,” he stated.
