Road to ISL playoffs: Consistency and the Sergio Lobera effect- 4 things FC Goa did right to make it to the semi-finals

Modified Mar 04, 2019 08:58 IST

FC Goa once again proved that they are the best attacking force in the league by scoring a massive 36 goals in 18 matches (Image Courtesy: ISL)

#3 Turnaround in defensive fortunes

Naveen Kumar making a save for FC Goa (Image Courtesy: ISL)

FC Goa scored six more goals last season (42 instead of this season's 36) but also conceded 28 goals in 18 matches compared to just 20 goals this season.

Sergio Lobera is known as an attacking coach but he has focused on much needed defensive reinforcements this season. Unlike last season, Goa did not concede late goals this season that could have cost them important points.

Md Nawaz's rise was crucial to Goa's shutouts in the first half of the season while Naveen Kumar's recent form (4 clean sheets in 5 matches) has given the defence more confidence.

Mourtada Fall and Carlos Pena has formed a great defensive partnership in the centre of the defense over the course of the season.

Seriton Fernandes and the skipper Mandar Rao Dessai act as attacking full backs/wing backs with Lenny Rodrigues and Ahmed Jahouh giving the steel in midfield.

FC Goa became the second team after Mumbai City FC to keep five consecutive clean sheets in the Indian Super League, showing how good were they at the back this season.