After braving the odds to qualify for the Indian Super League (ISL) semi-finals, FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC are all set to do battle for a place in the final, the first leg of which will take place here on Saturday.
Goa rode on a series of brilliant performances from their striker Ferran Corominas and left winger Manuel Lanzarote -- who have scored 30 goals between them -- to finish the group stage as the best attacking outfit.
A still from FC Goa's league encounter against Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in 2017-18 ISL. Image Courtesy: ISL
The Goans have scored seven goals more than league stage table toppers Bengaluru FC.
The hosts had scored 22 goals in their first nine matches this season, then hit an unexplained bad patch but regained form in the last three matches to score 12 and concede only one.
So if Goa's head coach Sergio Lobera stays true to his attacking style during Saturday's match, then there it could turn out to be an entertaining affair.
"We understand the importance of the away goal, but this rule will not make us change our style of play. In the last game, even when a draw was enough, we went for the win. The team has to continue with the same mentality. In the last three games, we have great numbers in terms of the goals we've scored," Lobera said during the pre-match media interaction.
On the other hand, the Chennai based club who finished seventh in the last edition, displayed a clinical performance throughout the season by strengthing their defence.
But the Chennaiyin will enter to this crucial encounter on a patchy run of just two wins in their last five games.
Going back to the history of the season, in the league stage, both teams have defeated each other once. In first leg, Goa edged past Chennaiyin 3-2 and in the return leg, Chennaiyin prevailed 1-0.
"It wasn't accidental that we finished second in the league table. We have won in Goa and in Pune -- but we also lost away to NorthEast FC. The trend is that we tend to win the big must-win games," Chennaiyin head coach John Gregory said.
"We've earned the right to come into the playoffs and now suddenly we start from scratch - the points will not come into play and it's purely a semi-final and final and we're ready for it," he said.
So if Goa could manage to pierce the defence consisting Mailson Alves, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Sereno and Inigo Calderon, they might end as a better team and if Chennai played collectively they could take the early advantage
Published Date: Mar 10, 2018 21:56 PM | Updated Date: Mar 10, 2018 22:09 PM
Highlights
FT: FC Goa 1-1 Chennaiyin
Good result for Chennaiyin who take an away goal to the Marina Arena. Goa will be disappointed after being largely subdued for most parts of the game. Chennaiyin could have had more but they will take a draw. All to play for in the second leg that takes place on Tuesday
70' Goa 1-1 Chennaiyin
GOAL! Anirudh Thapa with a fine finish to cap off a lightning counter-attack. Chennaiyin get that crucial away goal. This game has come alive
63' FC Goa 1-0 Chennaiyin
GOAL! Manuel Lanzorate puts @FCGoaOfficial in front with a tap in. Great work from Mandar Rao Dessai
HT: FC Goa 0-0 Chennaiyin
Goalless at the break with few clear cut chances to report. Chennaiyin have successfully stifled the Goa attack in this first half and would be happier of the two sides. However the visitors would like an away goal to take back to Chennaiyin. Goa haven't been at their free-flowing best and Sergio Lobera has some thinking to do. Crucial second half to follow
22:09 (IST)
That's it from us. We will be back against tomorrow bringing you Live updates from the 2nd leg of the semi-final between Bengaluru FC and FC Pune CIty. Just like the case in Chennai, it's all to play for in that encounter. So follow Firstpost for the best coverage of the Indian Super League
22:07 (IST)
Virat Kohli doesn't seem too happy with the result
22:06 (IST)
22:03 (IST)
Let's wait and watch!
22:01 (IST)
PEEEEEPPPP PEEEEP...
It's all over at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda as we finally witness a draw between the two sides!
But it's advantage Chennaiyin who look happy with the result given their home form this season. Goa should be ruing the missed opportunities as it could have made the difference at the end
22:00 (IST)
All to play for in Chennai on Tuesday
21:55 (IST)
FT: FC Goa 1-1 Chennaiyin
Good result for Chennaiyin who take an away goal to the Marina Arena. Goa will be disappointed after being largely subdued for most parts of the game. Chennaiyin could have had more but they will take a draw. All to play for in the second leg that takes place on Tuesday
21:52 (IST)
Err, disagreement...
There is some disagreement between Goa's Eduardo Bedia and the referee over the injury time. The referee signals four minutes of additional time in Goa. The Gaurs doesn't look like a happy bunch.
21:51 (IST)
Manuel Lanzorate received a rousing reception from the Goa faithful.
21:49 (IST)
90' Goa 1-1 Chennaiyin
4 minutes of stoppage time added at Fatorda. Will we see a winner?
21:46 (IST)
Goa change with 2 minutes to play: Sifneos ON Lanzorate OFF
21:44 (IST)
85' FC Goa 1-1 Chennaiyin
And as expected, Jaime Martinez is getting ready to come on. Wonder who will come off for Chennayin. For obvious reasons, coach Gregory wants more industry in the midfield. The team is now in a much better position after the away goal.
Meanwhile, Goa coach Lobera can be seen giving instructions to his players from the touchline. Right-back Seriton Fernandes has been asked to stay back by the Spaniard.
21:40 (IST)
80' FC Goa 1-1 Chennaiyin
After a spell of madness the game seems to have calmed down. Chennai would be happy with this scoreline and especially the away goal. Goa too are wary of conceding another that would totally hand the advantage to the visitors.
21:38 (IST)
Chennaiyin's reaction to the equaliser
21:37 (IST)
FC Goa's reaction to their goal
21:36 (IST)
18,492 is the attendance for today. Good work fans from Goa!
21:36 (IST)
One would have expected Chennaiyin to be rattled after conceding a scrappy goal. Well, the Super Machans are back in the match and it's a pin-drop silence at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Substitute Anirudh Thapa gives the all-important away goal to Chennayin after beating Kattimani at the net. Gregory Nelson's pass was picked up neatly by Thapa who then hit a diving shot to stun The Gaurs.
21:35 (IST)
FC Goa fans had not finished celebrating when Chennaiyin struck. It's gone all quiet here now. Last glimpse of the Fatorda when it was still a joyous place
21:30 (IST)
70' Goa 1-1 Chennaiyin
GOAL! Anirudh Thapa with a fine finish to cap off a lightning counter-attack. Chennaiyin get that crucial away goal. This game has come alive
21:28 (IST)
GOAL!
It's a tap-in for Manuel Lanzarote who gives Goa the lead against Chennayin FC. Mandar Rao Dessai sprayed a low cross inside the box from the left which is picked up by Corominas whose diving effort ricochets the defender but Lanza was there to finish it. THE STADIUM IS SHAKING!
Rare error from Chennayin's defenders.
21:27 (IST)
70' FC Goa 0-0 Chennaiyin
Big moment in the tie. For all of Chennaiyin's chances, Goa make their count and are in a great position in this tie. If they can keep the back door shut for the remainder of the game they will have a significant advantage going into the second leg. Chennaiyin now desperately need an away goal Chennaiyin look a bit rattled now and must be careful to not allow Goa score again. The Gaurs have a knack of scoring in bulk
21:23 (IST)
63' FC Goa 1-0 Chennaiyin
GOAL! Manuel Lanzorate puts @FCGoaOfficial in front with a tap in. Great work from Mandar Rao Dessai
21:20 (IST)
60' FC Goa 0-0 Chennaiyin
Chennaiyin change: Bikramjit Singh OFF Anirudh Thapa ON. Gregory putting on some fresh legs out there. He feels he can exploit the weakness in Goa's rearguard with Thapa's energy, but will his inexperience be a problem for the visitors?
21:15 (IST)
55' FC Goa 0-0 Chennaiyin
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Chennaiyin are finding a lot of openings but none have been made to great use as the game remains goalless. Will the visitors rue it come full time? Only time will tell but the onus now is on Goa to step it up and make the visitors pay
21:13 (IST)
21:10 (IST)
21:09 (IST)
50' FC Goa 0-0 Chennaiyin
SUCCESSIVE SAVES! Kattimani keeps Goa on terms after two fine saves to deny Jeje and Raphael Augusto. Best chances of the game so far. Chennaiyin have began this half on the front foot and Goa almost conceded there. Chennai may rue the two big misses
21:03 (IST)
Second half begins at Fatorda
21:02 (IST)
HT at Fatorda!
20:54 (IST)
HT at Fatorda!
20:49 (IST)
Cagey affair so far
Well, there has never been a goalless draw between the two teams. However, the game still remains 0-0 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Stadium as we approach the end of the first quarter. Goa have been the better side so far in terms of creating chances, while Chennaiyin too have surged ahead but with no real danger.
Notably, Mandar Rao Dessai has been impressive in the first 45 minutes. The mazey dribbler has caused a lot of headache to Jerry on the left.
20:48 (IST)
HT: FC Goa 0-0 Chennaiyin
Goalless at the break with few clear cut chances to report. Chennaiyin have successfully stifled the Goa attack in this first half and would be happier of the two sides. However the visitors would like an away goal to take back to Chennaiyin. Goa haven't been at their free-flowing best and Sergio Lobera has some thinking to do. Crucial second half to follow
20:43 (IST)
Goa's Mandar Rao Dessai hits a speculative shot from the left and the ball bounces awkwardly in front of Chennaiyin keeper Karanjit Singh who clears to grab the ball.
20:43 (IST)
40' FC Goa 0-0 Chennaiyin FC
Goa are struggling to penetrate a packed Chennaiyin defence. The Gaurs may need to look at Plan B if they are to break the visitors down. With five minutes left for half time, no team really eager to take any chance
20:39 (IST)
Tactical move?
Goa coach Sergio Lobera is constantly waving at Pranoy Halder, asking him to close down Chennaiyin forward Jeje Lalpekhlua, who is playing on the tip of Goa's defence. The message is clear from the coach there. But the question is: will the Mizoram striker end his five-match goal drought tonight?
20:37 (IST)
35' FC Goa 0-0 Chennaiyin FC
Lull period in the game after the game became stretched for a peiod. Goa seeing more of the ball but struggling to move a compact Chennaiyin defence. They need to move the ball a lot quicker to break down a disciplined visitors. Karanjit Singh looking their weakest link and Goa have got to exploit that more
20:33 (IST)
Fans getting into the game!
The Chennaiyin FC left-back gets booked for a foul on Seriton Fernandes. I have got to say that the crowd loved the booking. The youngster now needs to be careful on the left.
20:32 (IST)
30' FC Goa 0-0 Chennaiyin FC
Chances at both ends, first to Ferran Corominas who was allowed time to cut inside and shoot, only for his shot to be blocked. Immediately at the other end, Jeje almost got on the end of a quick move. The game is slightly opening up, but the tempo remains slow
20:27 (IST)
25' FC Goa 0-0 Chennaiyin FC
A better spell of possession for Chennaiyin in the Goa half, but no real cutting edge in their play. Too slow to hurt FC Goa. The home side are looking to stretch the play by staying wide, but so far no success. It's been a cagey affair. Credit to Chennaiyin that they haven't allowed Goa to get rampant
20:23 (IST)
Worry for Goa
Well, there's always a heart-in-mouth situation for Goa camp and the fans whenever under-fire goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani has the ball at his feet. And why not? He hasn't kept a clean sheet in his last 15 matches and coach Lobera had no option but field him instead of suspended first-choice custodian Neeraj Kumar.
20:22 (IST)
20' FC Goa 0-0 Chennaiyin FC
A rare opening for the visitors few minutes back. It remains goalless. Goa have bossed the possession but Chennai have held firm. They have looked threatening on the few counter-attacks they initiated
20:19 (IST)
The Gaurs have dominated the proceedings in terma of possession so far with Ferran Corominas and Manuel Lanzarote combining brilliantly through the center. The midfield duo of Pranoy Halder and Mandar Rao Desai are giving Chennaiyin's midfield a tough time already. Chennaiyin's centre-back pair is in for a ride tonight. It will be interesting to see if they can contain the mighty Catalans.
20:18 (IST)
15' FC Goa 0-0 Chennaiyin FC
No real tempo to the game and that will suit Chennaiyin who have done well not to give Goa any early encouragements. Karanjit Singh has had few uncomfrotable moments in goal for Chennaiyin and that's when Goa have looked most dangerous
20:16 (IST)
Not great, if true
20:11 (IST)
10' FC Goa 0-0 Chennaiyin FC
FC Goa haven't got into their rhythm yet. Chennaiyin meanwhile look pretty assured. It doesn't look like they are here to simply defend and look keen to get on the scoresheet. The visitors are pressing Goa well, thus not allowing them to play their game freely. Good start from the visitors
20:07 (IST)
5' FC Goa 0-0 Chennaiyin FC
Both sides feeling the occasion in the opening exchanges. FC Goa almost profit from miscommunication between Chennaiyin goalkeeper Karanjit Singh and Jerry Lalrinzuala. But the visitors somehow manage to clear the danger
20:01 (IST)
KICK OFF in Goa. Fasten your seatbelts
20:00 (IST)
Here's what Firstpost Correspondent in Goa, Shivam Damohe had to say ahead of the kick-off
19:58 (IST)
KICK OFF is minutes away in Goa!
19:57 (IST)
No shortage of away support at the Fatorda!