Sometimes, football writes its own scripts.

A season full of highs and heartbreaks. A coach in his final game. A team that has overcome injuries, near-misses, and history itself. And one opponent – the same one that started the storm – now waiting at the end of it.

It could not have been anyone else.

When FC Goa walk out for the Kalinga Super Cup final on Saturday, they will know exactly what’s at stake. Not just a trophy – but a conclusion. A moment that pulls together every thread of a long and eventful journey. One match, to define it all.

*****

It’s the kind of stage that Manolo Marquez never sought – but built towards with every training session, every tactical switch, every quiet word behind the scenes.

After two seasons in charge, this is set to be his last dance in FC Goa colours. He leaves behind a legacy of consistency and culture. Under him, the Gaurs became a force again – 61 games, a Club record, 37 wins, 2.02 points per game, the best in Club history. Two ISL semi-finals. A Durand Cup semi-final. And now, a Super Cup final.

But for all the milestones, there remains one elusive detail.

No trophy.

It is the only blemish in an otherwise glittering spell. The only footnote in an era that has given the Club so much to be proud of. And so, in poetic fashion, the coach who rebuilt the foundation now has one final shot at completing the structure.

And across the line, waiting again, is Jamshedpur FC.

*****

It was Jamshedpur who handed Goa their first shock of the ISL season – scoring late to snatch a win in a game the Gaurs had largely dominated. It was Jamshedpur again who stole points during the title chase, slowing Goa’s momentum in the final stretch of the league stage.

And here both sides are, meeting again. A full circle, drawn in grit and ambition. No one can accuse JFC of being anything but worthy – they’ve matched FC Goa in resilience, knocked out top opposition, and brought intensity wherever they’ve gone.

It’s a fitting finale. Two sides that wouldn’t break. Two sides that wouldn’t quit. But only one can emerge with the silverware.

And if FC Goa are to do it, they’ll do it having already overcome more than most.

*****

This campaign has been a test of depth and spirit. Four ACL injuries – Sandesh Jhingan, Iker Guarrotxena, Alan Saji and Lara Sharma – each a hammer blow. Each answered with world-class rehabilitation, and a player’s staunch will to return.

The rest of the squad had to dig deep. Short-term injuries came and went like waves. The Club’s medical team worked round the clock. Youngsters were called upon. Tactical plans were adjusted. What could’ve been excuses were treated like challenges. This was a team that refused to fold.

And in that refusal, they found something stronger: belief.

After a rocky start to the ISL, FC Goa lost just twice in their final 18 league matches. They finished second in the table. They fought back in the ISL semis after a 2-0 first leg defeat, nearly dragging themselves to the final. Then came the Super Cup – and with it, a different edge.

Gokulam Kerala were swept aside. Punjab FC were broken in the 90th minute after leading for most of the match. Mohun Bagan were outplayed in the semis. The team was playing like one on a mission – not just to win, but to conclude something.

And now, it all rests on 90 minutes. Maybe more.

*****

This final means different things to different people. But above all, this is the game they will equally remember.

Not just because it is a final. But because it is this final.

It might also be the start of something even bigger.

But before all that – there is a job to finish.