MARGAO: There were no surprises as
FC Goa lived up to the favourites tag and marched into the final of the
Indian Super League (
ISL
) despite a solitary-goal loss against
Mumbai City FC at the
Nehru Stadium
in
Fatorda
on Tuesday.
The defeat meant little for
Sergio Lobera
’s side as they sailed through on the strength of their phenomenal away win last week. Goa won 5-2 on aggregate.
Rafael Bastos’ early strike stopped Goa from securing their ninth clean sheet this season, and even though the defeat would have left a sour taste in the mouth, the fans were not complaining as they celebrated long after the final whistle was blown.
The second leg seemed a formality for Goa after the big win in Mumbai but Lobera, who doesn’t like to rotate his squad, fielded a strong side.
The only change was handing a start to Hugo Boumous while midfielder Edu Bedia, who had most passes in the attacking third for Goa in the first leg, was left on the bench.
It looked like Lobera was already gearing up to face Bengaluru FC in Sunday’s final.