It has not even been a week since Mumbai City and FC Goa played against each other in a breathtaking first leg of the Hero ISL Semi-Final. The Islanders put their theatrics on full display as they came from behind to secure a 3-2 win at the Fatorda Stadium. However, they will have to once again be ready as the Gaurs will attempt to spoil their party in the second leg at Mumbai.
Mumbai City are high on confidence after the first-leg win as this now means that Goa has failed to defeat them in eleven straight games. Petr Kratky’s men put on a solid display in the game at Goa, but they were not able to find the back of the net due to a resilient display from FC Goa’s defence. However, they were not going to be denied for too long as Lallianzuala Chhangte scored the first goal for them in the 89th minute. From there on, things never looked the same for Goa as they conceded two more goals in the space of five minutes to lose their advantage in the semi-final.
The Gaurs will now have to put on something special to topple Mumbai City and move into the Final. They have one of the best defences in the league, but the presence of Chhangte and Vikram Pratap Singh will prove to be a huge threat for Manolo Marquez’s men.
Mumbai City vs FC Goa is going to be a fiery clash
The first leg between the two teams was nothing short of exceptional. Mumbai City’s brilliance silenced the Fatorda Stadium and they did not forget to rub salt on Goa’s wounds by engaging in some over-the-top celebration. Manolo Marquez took exception to this and called out the team in his press conference ahead of the second leg.
He said, “If I am a player today, would be very angry with how Mumbai City FC celebrated the victory in our face. They have to know there are still 90 minutes. I think that if you show the correct character, let’s see who will celebrate at the end.”
These comments by Manolo Marquez indicate that FC Goa will come to Mumbai prepared to reign on their parade. The Islanders have a stellar record at home, losing just once throughout the competition. However, they are faced with a tough challenge against a Goan team, who have a lot to prove in the second leg.
Mumbai City cannot afford complacency against the Goans
Despite the win in the first leg, there are a few things that Mumbai City need to work on if they are to move to the final. One of the biggest takeaways from that game is the lack of finishing. The Islanders had a whopping 61% possession throughout the game. They also had 5 big chances out of which they missed two. Mumbai needs to make the most of their chances as they are up against a resilient Goan defence, who do not usually make a lot of mistakes.
Another point that Mumbai need to note is shutting down Brandon Fernandes. The Indian midfielder scored a stunning goal in the first leg and also created some good chances for Goa in the first leg. The Islanders will have to shut him as his ability to pull off some crazy passes and deliver set pieces could prove to be costly for them.
Mumbai certainly must be oozing confidence as they will be backed by the West Coast Brigade in the second leg. However, they cannot let their emotions get the better of them as the stakes are high in the second leg against Goa.
