FC Goa’s 1-0 victory over Punjab FC on Thursday was not a spectacle of attacking brilliance, but it was exactly what the Gaurs needed – three crucial points that take them to the brink of securing second place in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 standings. While the football itself may not have been thrilling, head coach Manolo Marquez made it clear that his team’s focus never wavered, knowing full well the importance of the win.

“We had already lost the chance to win the League Shield, but we spoke before the game, and reminded the players that second place was still up for grabs. We needed five points before this match, and now we are very close. One more win and we confirm it,” he revealed at the post-match press conference.

A calculated victory

Manolo’s men approached the Punjab FC clash with tactical discipline, prioritizing control over flair. The Gaurs dominated possession especially in the second half, expertly running down the clock while keeping Punjab FC at bay. “If you don’t reach the opposition box and try to score, a 1-0 lead is narrow. In just one moment, the other team can change everything,” the coach warned. “But overall, I am satisfied with the effort of the guys and feel the win is fair.”

This calculated approach underscores FC Goa’s growing maturity under Manolo, a marked difference from what was observed of the team at the early stages of the season. They knew the stakes – losing would have opened the door for Jamshedpur FC, who hold the head-to-head advantage over them, forcing Goa into a tense final-day battle against recently crowned champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Instead, they took control of their own destiny.

What’s at stake?

With 45 points from 22 matches (13 wins, 6 draws and just 3 losses), FC Goa are now in prime position to secure a top-two finish. Their closest challengers, Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC, both have 37 points. Jamshedpur can mathematically reach 46 points, while Bengaluru’s maximum is 43, meaning the Gaurs are already guaranteed to finish no lower than third.

However, the difference between second and third place is massive. A third-place finish would mean an additional playoff game against the sixth-placed team – an extra hurdle in their quest for silverware. Finishing second, on the other hand, guarantees direct qualification to the two-legged semi-final, giving the Men in Orange more time to prepare and a clearer path to glory.

How can FC Goa seal second place?

There are two ways for FC Goa to lock in their spot before the final matchday in the league stage:

1. Beat Mohammedan SC at home on Tuesday. That alone would take them to 48 points, making it impossible for Jamshedpur to catch them.
2. Jamshedpur FC drop points against Kerala Blasters on Saturday. If they fail to win, Goa’s second place finish will be confirmed even before they step onto the pitch again.

Regardless of what happens elsewhere, Manolo will expect his side to do the job themselves. “This game was not one of our best,” he admitted, “but the three points are very important.” And with the way Goa has approached this season, there is little doubt that they will take the fight to Mohammedan with full force.

A reminder

As the Gaurs gear up for their final home game of the league stage at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, the importance of fan support cannot be overstated. This is a momentous opportunity – to achieve their best league finish in five years and set the stage for a serious title charge.

A win on Tuesday would eliminate all doubts, allowing FC Goa to approach their final clash against Mohun Bagan with nothing to lose and everything to gain. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned under Manolo Márquez, it’s that his team never settles for mediocrity. Later next week, they’ll be hunting for all three points against Mohun Bagan in Kolkata as well, not just to make a statement, but to keep their winning momentum heading into the ISL Cup playoffs.

The mission is clear, the equation is simple, and FC Goa are ready.