Catch all the latest updates and the live score from the first leg semi-final encounter between FC Goa and Mumbai City FC on Firstpost.com's live blog!
Igor Angulo and Adam le Fondre's goals have been crucial for their sides' league campaigns. ISL
That's it from us folks!
On the whole, it was quite a close affair, with both teams doing really well to grind out a draw. Join us tomorrow as we bring you all the latest updates from the other semi-final fixture in which NorthEast United take on ATK Mohun Bagan! Until then, goodbye and goodnight!
FT | FC Goa 2 - 2 Mumbai City FC
That's that for the first leg of this semi-final! There was a fair bit of excitement in both halves, as FC Goa twice went forward, only for Mumbai to level the score both times. Both sides cancelled each other's biggest attacking threats well enough. The game almost ended terribly for Mumbai City, as Mourtada Fall went in double footed with a crunching tackle, but the big centreback escapes without a red card and will still be available for the second leg. It's Princeton who was the victim of the challenge, and he was given a fair bit of treatment, before being replaced by Ishan Pandita. Edu Bedia was then shown a yellow in the dying embers of the match, in what was the last event of note.
87' | FC Goa 2 - 2 Mumbai City FC
As we enter the last five minutes of regulation play, the pace has picked up to a certain extent. It's become a bit more end-to-end, these teams might actually be on the lookout for a win. You could have fooled me with the last 20 minutes of play.
80' | FC Goa 2 - 2 Mumbai City FC
For a few minutes there, it really looked like we were in for a crazy, intense finish, but at the moment, this is playground football being played. Both teams have almost instantly devolved into scrappy passers, giving away the ball at the slightest hint of pressure. Maybe the introduction of someone like the energetic young Ishan Pandita is what's needed to breathe some life back into this contest.
75' | FC Goa 2 - 2 Mumbai City FC
The game's lost a bit of its intensity after the two rapid-fire goals, and currently there are just half chances being traded between both teams. It's become a scrappy affair, but it does look more likely that Mumbai will score.
66' | FC Goa 2 - 2 Mumbai City FC
Donachie heads out for a Mumbai corner from a set-piece, and it gives Mumbai another chance to test the aerial capabilities of Goa. The ball is just dreadful though, it's way, way overhit. Mumbai do appear to be on the ascendancy though, and Goa will want to tighten things up in double quick time if they have any shot of getting a good result in this first leg.
61' | FC Goa 2 - 2 Mumbai City FC
Seconds after going behind, Mumbai City FC are back on level terms! It's a wonderful ball in from Ahmed Jahouh on Mumbai's left wing, and it's delivered right onto Mourtada Fall's noggin. The Senegalese centre-back is completely unmarked, and he heads home from close range with ease to become the highest scoring defender in ISL history.
60' | FC Goa 2 - 1 Mumbai City FC
SAVIOUR GAMA SCORES! What a goal from the diminutive left-back, he just keeps running and running, and the Mumbai defenders keep backing away, until he's in a wonderful position to shoot. His shot is low and hard and it rifles past Amrinder!
55' | FC Goa 1 - 1 Mumbai City FC
Bartholomew Ogbeche has been knocking on Goa's door all night, and he sends them yet another warning shot, heading a cross from Mandar slightly wide of goa. If they keep giving him chances like this, it won't be long before he scores.
49' | FC Goa 1 - 1 Mumbai City FC
So who's going to take this game by the horns? It's Goa who show early initiative, keeping the ball nicely and trying to widen the play. Le Fondre then goes on a blistering run into the penalty area, before being tackled. The ball ricochets into the feet of Boumous on the wing, who sends it right back into the Goa penalty area, where it's blasted over the goal by Ogbeche.
Preview: One of the most consistent teams in the history of the tournament, FC Goa will look to take a step closer to their maiden ISL title when they face table-toppers Mumbai City in the first leg of their semi-final fixture on Friday.
Goa have secured playoff qualification a record six times but they could never manage to lift the ISL trophy, having lost the finals on two occasions.
Come Friday, the Gaurs will look to put it past League Shield winners Mumbai City FC to inch closer to the dream of lifting their first-ever trophy.
Having qualified for the playoffs for the fourth-straight time, Goa are only behind Mumbai in terms of goals scored, alongside NorthEast United.
They have form backing them too, having been unbeaten in 13 games now — a feat no other side has managed in Hero ISL history.
Facing Mumbai will not be an easy task but coach Juan Ferrando hopes his players stick to his philosophy as they aim to go all the way.
"If we enjoy the game, we will have success," he said.
"Sometimes there is pressure because everybody wants to win but for me, it's important our players to want to play (our way). I am scared when my team is not playing football (our way) because it's difficult to help the team. But all our players want to participate and stick to our style."
However, they will have their task cut out with Ivan Gonzalez and Alberto Noguera missing out due to suspensions.
While Goa top the charts for most possession (58 per cent), Mumbai (57 per cent) are not too far behind. Dominating possession has worked for Lobera's side, who have netted a whopping 35 goals.
During the last meeting between the two sides, Ferrando had stated that the pressure was on Mumbai to win the League Winners Shield. And having achieved that target, Lobera will aim to prove a lot more to his former employers.
"I love when others speak about Mumbai City as a favourite team since they are thinking we are better than them," he said. "It's good for us. I love this pressure but we need to prove ourselves on the pitch."
Similar to Ferrando, Lobera too, wants his players to enjoy themselves rather than take pressure.
"It's a special game," he added.
"We need to be smart and ready to play 180 minutes and tomorrow is the first step. We are excited and I hope we enjoy (the challenge)."
Mumbai will be without Amey Ranawade (suspended) while Hugo Boumous returns after a four-match ban.
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