ISL 2024-25: FC Goa Just One Victory Away from Securing Second Place, Punjab FC's Playoff Hopes Dwindle
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Synopsis
FC Goa is on the verge of securing the second spot in ISL 2024-25 with a match against Punjab FC. With 42 points from 21 games, they aim for a win. Punjab FC, with 24 points, relies on improbable outcomes for playoff qualification, making this an exciting clash.
Key Takeaways
- FC Goa is aiming for a win to secure second place.
- Punjab FC's playoff hopes depend on multiple favorable outcomes.
- FC Goa has been in strong form, winning four of their last five matches.
- The Gaurs are unbeaten against Punjab FC in recent encounters.
- Coaches of both teams express confidence ahead of the match.
New Delhi, Feb 26 (NationPress) FC Goa is set to visit the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday to face Punjab FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25, aiming to clinch a win that would solidify their second position in the league standings. The Gaurs have amassed 42 points from 21 matches and are displaying great form, having secured four victories in their last five games. Their goal is to maintain their second-place standing, currently ahead of third-placed Jamshedpur FC (37 points) by a margin of five points, as a top-two finish ensures a spot in the semifinals.
Punjab FC, on the other hand, has collected just 24 points from 21 matches, with their playoff chances hinging on some unlikely outcomes.
The team coached by Panagiotis Dilmperis must win all their remaining games and rely on NorthEast United FC losing both of their matches, or Mumbai City FC earning no more than a single point. Additionally, they will need both Odisha FC and East Bengal FC to drop points in at least one of their upcoming fixtures.
Punjab FC must also ensure that their goal difference surpasses that of Kerala Blasters FC and Chennaiyin FC, who could potentially finish with the same points.
FC Goa has historically performed well against Punjab FC in the ISL, having won twice in their last three meetings, including a 2-1 victory in the earlier match of the current season. A win would equate to their best-ever record of four league doubles in a single ISL season, a milestone they achieved in 2019-20 and 2023-24. Punjab FC's difficulties are evident as they have yet to keep a clean sheet against FC Goa.
In their three prior encounters in the ISL, FC Goa has secured two wins while one match ended in a draw.
Punjab FC's head coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis, expressed confidence, stating that his team will put up a strong challenge against the visiting Gaurs. “Our players were highly focused during training and have grasped everything well. We will present a squad that can match FC Goa,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, FC Goa's head coach, Manolo Marquez, emphasized that his team is focused on securing three points. “Our objective is clear: we aim for the three points. We must concentrate solely on the upcoming match and know that achieving at least two wins is essential for clinching the second position,” he stated.
