Buoyant FC Goa gear up for crucial home clash against Chennaiyin FC

posted in Match Preview by FC Goa Official on 23rd January 2025

posted in Match Preview

by FC Goa Official

on 23rd January 2025

Buoyant FC Goa gear up for crucial home clash against Chennaiyin FC

With an aim to maintain their stellar form and consolidate their second spot on the ISL 2024-25 points table, Manolo Marquez’s FC Goa are all set to host Chennaiyin FC in a thrilling encounter on Saturday at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda.

The Men in Orange have been in scintillating form this season, going unbeaten in their last 11 matches and earning 11 points out of a possible 15 from their last five games. With 30 points from 16 matches (8 wins, 6 draws, 2 losses), the Gaurs are second only to Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who have played one more game.

Chennaiyin, meanwhile, have struggled to find momentum, sitting 10th on the table with just 18 points from 17 matches. And in contrast to the hosts, the Marina Machans have managed only 3 points from their last five outings.

Key Stats

FC Goa’s Dominance:

  • Goals scored: 30 (third-best attack in the league)
  • Goals conceded: 20 (second-best defence in the league)
  • Streaks: 16 consecutive games with a goal scored, 8 matches where they scored first

Chennaiyin FC’s Challenges:

  • Goals scored: 23 (joint-fifth-best in the league)
  • Goals conceded: 27 (third-worst in the league)
  • Streaks: Winless in their last five matches

A historic rivalry revisited

A rivalry that dates back to 2014 when the Indian Super League came into existence, the Gaurs hold a significant edge in their head-to-head battles against Chennaiyin FC. Out of 29 matches played, FC Goa has emerged victorious 17 times, with Chennaiyin winning nine. Only three games have ended in draws, including the most recent encounter between both the sides in Chennai last October.

That said, fans of the Men in Orange will not quickly forget the heartbreaks that the Southerners have handed over the years, including the ISL final in 2015 at Fatorda where they came back from behind to take home their maiden Cup, something that has eluded the Goan outfit to-date.

But as of now, FC Goa look better than ever before, and could go all the way given they are able to maintain their ongoing run of great form till the end of the season.

Notable head-to-head streaks:

  • FC Goa: Unbeaten in their last 5 matches against Chennaiyin FC
  • Chennaiyin FC: 18 games without a clean sheet against FC Goa

What’s at stake

A victory for FC Goa will solidify their hold on second place and reduce the gap with league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant to just four points. The Gaurs’ consistent form and attacking prowess make them strong contenders, but Chennaiyin FC’s desperation to bounce back adds an unpredictable edge to this encounter.

Special Initiative: Free Entry for Children

To mark the crucial fixture with the long-standing rivalry, FC Goa have announced an exciting initiative to allow free entry for children aged 12 years and below to this match. This gesture reflects the Club’s commitment to fostering a love for football among the next generation of fans.

Details of the Initiative:

A purchased ticket by an adult guarantees free entry for one child (aged 12 or below).

Children will enjoy additional fun activities, including photo opportunities with Philly the Gaur, the Club’s mascot, and special game zones and engaging experiences organized by the Club’s partners.