FC Goa comes into the contest against Delhi Dynamos FC on the back of four games without a win. The Gaurs have also failed to score in the last couple of matches and this has seen them fall behind the pack in the race for a top four place.

Having romped to a 5-1 victory over the Dynamos in the capital city, the Gaurs climbed to the summit of the Hero Indian Super League in December. However, a poor run of form has seen them drop into sixth position on the table with 20 points in 14 matches. The Gaurs are desperate to turn their form around and make a late push for a spot in the playoffs in their last four games of the season.

Naveen Kumar has been an able replacement for skipper Laxmikant Kattimani and has put in superb performances for the side since coming in. He will start again for the Gaurs behind central defenders Bruno Pinheiro and Ali Mohammad. Narayan Das and Seriton Fernandes will occupy the full back positions. The entire defence will be hoping to blunt the Delhi attack and keep their first clean sheet of the tournament.

Ahmed Jahouh and Edu Bedia are likely to continue in the centre of midfield. They have both been the engine for the side as they keep the ball moving, while also contributing to both, the attack and the defence. Ahmed Jahouh currently leads the way with the most number of passes and tackles in the league. With the suspension of Manuel Lanzarote who picked up his fourth yellow card, new signing Hugo Adnan Boumous will get a game. The Moroccan man looked lively in the second period against Chennaiyin FC in the previous match and will be hoping to make a mark in the tournament.

Also Read: Gokulam Kerala’s giant killing continues, shock title-favourites Minerva

Mandar Rao Dessai and Brandon Fernandes look set to occupy the wings for the Gaurs while Ferran ‘Coro’ Corominas will continue up top. The Spaniard still leads the standings with 13 goals, but has failed to net in the last two games. He will be looking to increase his tally and pull away from second placed Miku, Mark Sifneos could make an appearance from the bench.

Head coach Sergio Lobera continued to be positive ahead of the must-win match for the side and said, “Tomorrow’s match is the first of 4 finals and we have to get all three points. This has to be our motivation. Knowing that if we get the 3 points tomorrow, our future is still in our control and once again I repeat, more than pressure, we need to look at this with excitement because i think we can achieve something big this year.”

The loss of Manuel Lanzarote will be a blow for the Gaurs but Sergio reiterated that the team has quality players capable of replacing him. “Unfortunately when a team loses a player due to suspension, there isn’t much one can do. We have a squad of players capable of coming in and replacing someone in this situation. With regard to set-pieces, he is our designated set-piece specialist and the only reason you haven’t seen anyone else is because he’s started every game.

Tomorrow I believe there will be an opportunity for everyone to see that we have several other players who are very capable of taking over set-piece duties,” he explained.

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Manuel Jesus Arana Rodriguez of FC Goa scores during match 25 of the Hero Indian Super League between Delhi Dynamos FC and FC Goa held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi, India on the 16th December 2017
Photo by: Ron Gaunt / ISL / SPORTZPICS

In the end, it turned out to be an easy victory to Sergio Lobera’s side, who are now at the top of the ISL table. Ferran Corominas, Manuel Lanzarote, Adrian Colunga and Manuel Arana registered their name on the score sheet for FC Goa. For Delhi, Kalu Uche scored one goal which was no more than a consolation for the home side.

After both sides rattled the bar early on in the first half, FC Goa opened the scoring in a bit fortuitous fashion. In the 45th minute, Delhi goalkeeper Sukhadev Patil, who had come into the match to replace the injured Albinos Gomes, failed to deal with Manuel Lanzarote’s free-kick. The ball ping-ponged in the 18-yard area before the in-form Ferran Corominas tapped it in to hand Goa the lead.

Almost immediately after the restart, Delhi conceded again. Having contributed to the first goal, Lanzarote smashed in a 30-yard curler to double the advantage for Lobera’s side just before the referee blew the whistle for half-time.

Also Read: Kerala Blasters finally taste victory beat NorthEast United 1-0

In the second half, Delhi Dynamos started off brightly and, at the hour-mark, Delhi pulled one back. Jeroen Lumu’s through-ball for Romeo Fernandes cut open FC Goa’s defence for once and the midfielder cut the ball across the goal for Kalu Uche to claim a simple tap-in.

Uche’s strike looked to ignite a comeback for Delhi but all their hopes were doused in the 66th minute when Gabriel Cichero was given marching orders by the referee after the Venezuelan picked up a second yellow. Even after Cichero’s dismissal, Delhi worked hard to hit Goa again but an own-goal by Pritam Kotal in the 84th minute opened the floodgates for FC Goa who hit two more goals to stun the home fans.

Just a minute after Kotal’s lunging effort to stop a low cross ended up in his own net, it was substitute Adrian Colunga’s turn to get his name on the scoresheet. Manuel Arana’s cross at the back post was volleyed in by Colunga in the 85th minute.

In the 88th minute Arana, who had provided an assist earlier, latched on to a loose ball in the box to slam home Goa’s fifth of the night.

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Ahmed Jahouh of FC Goa warm up before the start of the match 8 of the Hero Indian Super League between Mumbai City FC and FC Goa held at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai India on the 25th November 2017
Photo by: Vipin Pawar / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Such has been their form that every victory they’ve registered has seen them score at least three goals. They’ve lost just one match and will fancy their chances against a side which is coming on the back of three losses in a row.

The side is playing with the kind of style and verve which has often been unmatched by other teams. They are reaping the benefits of having two in-form forwards in Ferran Corominas and Manuel Lanzarote. The former is the league’s top-scorer with seven goals and the latter has four strikes to his name — the two of them combining to score 11 of the 13 goals the team has managed so far.

The only worry for Spanish coach Sergio Lobera is that his side has not yet managed to keep a single clean sheet in four matches. They’ve conceded at least two goals in three out of the four games so far. But Lobera’s fellow countryman Miguel Angel Portugal has more difficult problems to solve. Despite playing matches less than FC Pune City and Bengaluru, Delhi are third among 10 teams when it comes to the number of touches (2824) a team has taken.

Surprisingly, they have pumped in the most number of crosses (74) and had the most number of passes at the end of four rounds as well. That however, has not materialised into much in front of goal. The Dynamos have, despite their dominance on the ball, shockingly taken just 28 shots in four games. That’s less than any other team in the Hero ISL. Just like ATK, they’ve not asserted themselves physically, throwing just 89 tackles in four matches — one more than ATK.

Portugal admitted that the side is working on converting their dominance into goals. “In the games so far, we have dominated the ball and did everything well but we know we are not scoring and the team is working on that,” he said.

It will be the ultimate test for both coaches in terms of keeping possession and playing pretty football. While FC Goa have combined it with a lethal eye in front of goal, Delhi Dynamos have suffered from a shot-shy attitude and have the worst goal difference in the entire league (-5). A victory could still do wonders for them because three points at home will take them to seventh on the table.

Also Read: Kerala Blasters finally taste victory beat NorthEast United 1-0

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Gabriel Cichero of Delhi Dynamos FC and Adilson Goiano of Northeast United FC go up for header during match 14 of the Hero Indian Super League between Delhi Dynamos FC and NorthEast United FC
Photo by: Arjun Singh / ISL / SPORTZPICS

The visitors had the Brazilian duo of Marcinho and Cezario to thank as they struck a goal each in the first session of play as NorthEast moved to the top four with four points. Marcinho opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Cezario doubled their advantage on the half an hour mark.

After a nervy start to the game by both sides, NorthEast United FC opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Midfielder Halicharan Narzary drove into the opposition box before finding Marcinho with a cross on the far side unmarked. The Brazilian volleyed the ball into the net to hand his side the advantage.

Delhi Dynamos were still recovering from the setback when NorthEast struck again five minutes later, helped by some poor goalkeeping from Albino Gomes. The goalkeeper completely missed his kick after a back pass leaving the goal wide open for Brazilian striker Cezario to tap the ball home.

Also Read: To win a match, we need to score goals: Rene Meulensteen

Delhi’s best chance of the first half fell to midfielder Jeroen Lumu. Guyon Fernandez delightful ball over the top of NorthEast United’s defensive line found Lumu. The Dutchman had both time and space inside the box, but his effort was well blocked by goalkeeper Rehenesh TP, who was quick off his line.

In the second half, Delhi Dynamos came out stronger. The hosts looked full of purpose after being completely outplayed by the visitors in the first 45 minutes. Delhi dominated possession and looked to patiently create chances.

Delhi should have cut the lead in the 65th minute. A loose back pass by Adilson Goiano right on the edge of his penalty box gifted the ball to David Ngaihte, but the substitute couldn’t find a way past the NorthEast goalkeeper.

As the clock started to tick, NorthEast United dropped deep into their own half to protect their advantage. They were happy to see the game off and the coach introduced defender Martin Diaz to replace goal scorer Marcinho with over 15 minutes left on the clock.

Delhi mounted attack after attack but couldn’t find the net.

Also Read: FC Pune City look to set Chennaiyin record straight

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Erik Endel Paartalu of Bengaluru FC takes a shot towards second goal during match 10 of the Hero Indian Super League between Bengaluru FC and Delhi Dynamos FC held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore, India on the 26th November 2017
Photo by: Faheem Hussain / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Bengaluru FC are the only team to win both their matches and lead the table with six points. The hosts FC were riding high after a comfortable victory against Mumbai City FC in the opening game but they did even better against Delhi Dynamos, whose confidence was sky-rocketing after garnering full points against FC Pune City. On Sunday, however, it were Bengaluru from start to finish as Erik Paartalu struck twice in the opening half. Lenny Rodrigues (57th minute) and Miku (87th) completed the rout in the second session. Captain Kalu Uche pulled a goal back after converting a penalty for Delhi in the 86th minute.

Bengaluru FC were always the dominant side in this contest and started to impose themselves straight after kick-off. With Udanta Singh creating havoc on the right flank, there were always scoring opportunities but the hosts got going only in the 24th minute.

It came from a set-piece. Edu Garcia floated the ball right in the heart of the Delhi defence where Harmanjot Khabra headed it across the face of goal and Paartalu made no mistake with a close-range header that beat Delhi goalkeeper Albino Gomes.

Bengaluru had the match in their pocket with the second goal and it came right at the stroke of half time. It came from another set-piece as Garcia floated a corner-kick and Paartalu was the man who again flicked it inside the nets.

Delhi Dynamos tried to fight their way back but found it difficult to penetrate the Bengaluru defence. Captain Kalu Uche tried his best by bulldozing his way but was constantly thwarted.
Bengaluru got their third goal in the 57th minute as Sunil Chhetri and Udanta combined to create an opportunity for Lenny to slot home the rebound from inside a crowded defence.

Delhi were awarded a spot-kick in the 86th minute after defender John Johnson was adjudged to have handled the ball. Captain Kalu stepped up and beat goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh for the first time in the ISL.

The three-goal lead, however, was restored almost immediately as Miku scored his first goal of the tournament. Chhetri lifted a long ball over the Delhi defence and Miku did well to control it, beat two markers and then calmly slot it past the goalkeeper for another impressive victory.

Also Read: Pune hand ATK worst defeat at home

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Marcelo Leite Pereira of FC Pune City in action during match 9 of the Hero Indian Super League between ATK and FC Pune City held at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium, Kolkata, India on the 26th November 2017
Photo by: Arjun Singh / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Brazilian forward Marcelo Leite Pereira (Marcelinho) netted twice for the visitors. Emiliano Alfaro and Rohit Kumar also found the net for Ranko Popovic’s side as the visitors bounced back after losing the opening encounter against Delhi Dynamos FC.

For ATK, a stunning free-kick from Bipin Singh in the second half was the only highlight on a disappointing night, as the defending champions continued to miss star striker Robbie Keane. FC Pune City led 1-0 at half-time

Playing their first match at home, ATK started on the front foot but it were FC Pune City who drew first blood. Some loose defending by ATK centre-back Tom Thorpe allowed Alfaro a run at the goal in the 12th minute. The Uruguayan in turn found Marcelinho on the edge of the ATK box who did the rest.

Teddy Sheringham’s side tried to respond quickly but they looked to have out of ideas in the final third. ATK’s best chance of the half fell to Hitesh Sharma after Zequinha’s stinging effort from long range was palmed away by Pune goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh into his path. The midfielder, however, couldn’t bring the ball under control quickly enough to do any damage.

Five minutes into the second half, ATK found themselves level courtesy a stunning free kick by Bipin Singh. The goal came as a relief for ATK fans but the joy didn’t last long as minutes later, FC Pune City were back in front for the second time in the game. Marcelinho’s corner from the left saw Rohit Kumar jump high to meet the ball and head it past ATK goalkeeper Debjit Majumdar.

FC Pune City scored the insurance goal 10 minutes later. Marcelinho’s shot was deflected off Jordi Montel and the ATK goalkeeper could only watch the ball roll into his net.

Alfaro sealed the win for the visitors in the 80th minute as ATK were hit on a counter again. This time Marcelinho turned the provider as he laid the ball into the path of Emiliano Alfaro who did well to shoot past the rival goalkeeper

Also Read: Bengaluru FC vs Delhi Dynamos: Strengths, Weakness, Player to watch out.

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Bengaluru FC

Sunil Chhetri of Bengaluru FC in action during match 4 of the Hero Indian Super League between Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore India on the 19th November 2017
Photo by: Faheem Hussain / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Strength

Bengaluru FC had an incredible start to the league. The former I-League champions could not have asked for a better start to its new jaunt. A complete all-round performance of Bengaluru FC was what ensured them their dream start. Bengaluru FC had dominated the game in the midfield and the attack.
Their midfielders orchestrated the play as they could, so were their attackers too. Alberto Roca will likely rely again on the same squad he had deployed against Mumbai City FC and will be looking to resume their stellar performance.

Weakness

Bengaluru FC is a near complete squad, and they’ve a band of good defenders to curb away attacks, but as seen I-league, they could become complacent occasionally and flounder against continuous attacks. Bengaluru are yet to be tested in their defensive circle and Delhi Dynamos will be a real test for them.

Player to watch out.

Sunil Chhetri – One can never rule out the Indian and BFC skipper any time in the game he can be dangerous as shown in the first match when he struck the late goal. Sunil Chhetri was a consistent threat for the Mumbai City defense throughout the match. Sunil’s commanding ability and experience have always bolstered his side, and the same will be aimed on his next outing against Delhi Dynamos.

Also Read: Mumbai City ride to win on Brazilian flavor

Delhi Dynamos

Lallianzuala Chhangte of Delhi Dynamos FC celebrates a goal during match 5 of the Hero Indian Super League between FC Pune City and Delhi Dynamos FC 
Photo by: Vipin Pawar / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Strength

Similar to that of Bengaluru FC, the team from the capital city, Delhi Dynamos also had good start to the league. Delhi, defying all the odds, defeated the strong FC Pune City side. Their midfielders completely dominated the play for them, and their attackers were the perfect partners for their linchpin’s.

Weakness

Akin to that of Bengaluru, Delhi also has problems in defense. Their defenders were struggling against Pune City, but had managed to hold them though. The lack of experience of some of their players has affected them in the previous matche and will continue against Bengaluru unless the coach of Dynamos has the perfect cure.

Player to watch out.

Lallianzuala Chhangte – The young Indian star had a quiet incredible match for the Dynamos. He performed a dazzling display and his radiant touches were too immense for his side. His speed, when he made a run towards goal, was recorded as the third highest speed, beating the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Delhi will again rely on his boots, and the clash between the Sunil Chhetri and the virtuoso in Lallianzuala is one to watch out.

Head-To-Head

This is the first clash between the two sides.

Also Read: Kerala Blasters vs Jamshedpur FC: 5 Talking Points.

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Let’s check out how the players fared in the game:

FC Pune City

Kamaljit Singh of FC Pune City punches the ball during match 5 of the Hero Indian Super League between FC Pune City and Delhi Dynamos FC held at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Pune, India on the 22nd November 2017
Photo by: Vipin Pawar / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Kamaljit Singh (GK) – 6

After a good first half conceded 3 goals early in second half which pegged pune back. Couldn’t do much about the third one though– a world class curler from Mirabaje

Sarthak Golui – 7

Did a good job for a youngster, with promising performances in the defence could become a vital cog in pune defence. Also came up with an assist for Alfaro’s goal.

Rafael Gomez – 6

A decent performance from the Spaniard could have done better in avoiding the first goal. Otherwise pretty ordinary performance

Gurtej Singh – 7

Did well with some good blocks in the first half but had a hard time early in the second half. Kept a good watch at his flank holding the ball and very little attack came from his side

Lalchhuanmawia Fanai – 5

Had a terrible day at office with most of the attack coming from his flank, found it hard to control young Chhangte who continuously managed to beat him.

Marcos Tebar – 8

Pune’s best player on the field controlled the game well in the first half and got a late goal, deep in the injury time but couldn’t do enough to save his side from the defeat.

Rohit Kumar – 6

A decent game with some good passes in the first half but below – par in the second half eventually got substituted later in the game for Kean lewis in search of goals

Jonathan Lucca – 5

A terrible performance from Lucca in the midfield was the reason that Delhi got the second half rolling, got replaced early in the second half. A much better was expected from him being one of the experienced players of ISL.

Baljit Sahni – 6

Had to come early in the game after Jewel Raja’s injury, was good in patches but unable to do much with no goals or assists to his name.

Marcelinho – 6

No goals for the 2016 golden boot winner coming close couple of times but poor finishing did him in. Assisted the second goal of Pune but a lot is expected of him.

Emiliano Alfaro – 7

A good performance from the Uruguayan with a goal to his name, put in a lot of hard work with some good runs and shots on target.

Also Read: CFC vs NEUFC Players rating: How the players fared

Delhi Dynamos FC

Lallianzuala Chhangte of Delhi Dynamos FC celebrates a goal during match 5 of the Hero Indian Super League between FC Pune City and Delhi Dynamos FC held at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Pune, India on the 22nd November 2017
Photo by: Vipin Pawar / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Albino Gomes – 6

Made some really good saves in the first half to keep his team in the game at the break, could have done better in avoiding Pune’s second goal.

Pritam Kotal – 7

One of the national team regulars, Pritam proved why he is there with some really good crosses from flanks and some good defending returned with 1 assist to his name.

Gabriel Cichero – 7

Put up some good defending in first half to break Pune attack. Led from the front and was instrumental in keeping Marcelinho quite

Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte – 6

The former Mumbai City player did a decent job in his defensive duties and used the flanks well. Gave the ball away couple of times though with passing accuracy of a poor 66%

Pratik Chowdhary – 6

A decent performance from the central defender distributed the ball well but commits a little too much foul for a liking.

Paulo Dias Da Cruz 9

One of the Delhi’s best players on the field, Led the attack from the midfield creating chances for his teammates. Didn’t shy away from going up in the box as he came up with a goal in the opening minutes of second half.

Vinit Rai 7

Kept the ball well and put in a lot of hard work playing the whole game, had a passing accuracy of 92% to show his name and was commendable in midfield.

Guyan Fernandes – 5

Had a disappointing night with an uninspiring performance, got substituted early due to lack of impact in the game.

Matias Mirabaje – 8

Was solid on the ball and came up with a ‘goal of the season contender’ of goal – a world class curler to top corner.

Lallainzuala Chhangte – 9

Another solid performer of the night for Delhi, ran riots in the flanks with some quick run in the flank, was eventually rewarded with a goal, also sent in number of crosses, one of which converted in to opening goal.

Kalu Uche – 6

Disappointing performance from the former Stallion Striker, Kalu had just two shots on goal in the entire 96 minutes for a striker; A lot is expected of him

Also Read: Chennaiyin FC blank NorthEast 3-0

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Lallianzuala Chhangte of Delhi Dynamos FC celebrates a goal during match 5 of the Hero Indian Super League between FC Pune City and Delhi Dynamos FC 
Photo by: Vipin Pawar / ISL / SPORTZPICS

The 20-year-old, Lallianzuala Chhangte came up with some terrific 2nd half display creating the opening goal for Delhi before netting one for himself on a memorable evening. Paulo Henrique Dias Da Cruz, Chhangte and Matias Mirabaje scored three second-half goals for the winners, while Emiliano Alfaro and Marcos Tebar were on the scoresheet for Pune City.

After the opening 45 minutes saw Delhi Dynamos dominate possession without creating any opportunities, the game turned on its head in the second half. It took Delhi only a minute in the second half to open their account. After some hard work down the left-flank, Chhangte sent in a delightful cross at the near post where Paulo Henrique Dias Da Cruz did the rest to hand Delhi the lead.

Eight minutes later, Chhangte found himself clear on goal after Delhi defender Gurtej Singh failed to clear the ball to safety. Chhangte coolly lifted the ball over onrushing FC Pune City goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh to double the advantage.

Delhi looked in complete control of the game and looked more likely to score. And they did in the most spectacular way in the 65th minute. After working a short corner, Matias Mirabaje unleashed a curling left-footer from the edge of the box that found the top corner of the nets.

After Mirabaje’s goal, the match looked done and dusted. However, just two minutes later, Pune pulled one back.  Sarthak Golui’s cross found Emiliano Alfaro just outside the box, and the Uruguayan smashed a low shot past Delhi goalkeeper Albino Gomes.

Bouyed by the goal, Pune pushed for a second goal but Delhi defended resolutely. The hosts eventually reduced the deficit to just one through Marcos Tebar in the third minute of added time but it proved too little too late.

Also Read: Best and Worst of the week 1

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In their six encounters in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) history, FC Pune City have managed to defeat Delhi Dynamos only once. So when the two teams meet again on Wednesday night in their ISL 4 season opener at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, FC Pune City’s new head coach Ranko Popovic will be hoping to do one better.

“I’m excited about our first match. We have had enough time to prepare. The players are also very excited. I hope we’ll be able to do what we want to,” the Serbian tactician said.

Responding to a question on the advantage of playing their first match at home, Popovic said, “I don’t think it is an advantage. If you want to win, you have to play well both home and away. Yes, at home we’ll have more support to win all three points. But that doesn’t change the way we’ll play.”

The 50-year-old manager, who is in India for the first time, comes in with a proven track record and he doesn’t usually need much time to get started. In his first season in charge at second division Spanish club Real Zaragoza, he took his team to the playoffs. Last year, in his first season in Thailand, he led Buriram United FC to Thai Cup glory. FC Pune City fans will be hoping that the Serbian will have the same effect on their team this season.

The new coach has plenty of firepower at his disposal. Last season’s top scorer Marcelino, who made the switch from Delhi to Pune along with Kean Lewis, will be the ones to watch out for. The duo netted 14 times last season.

For Delhi Dynamos, it’s all about building on from last season. The Delhi side have made it to the playoffs in two of the three previous editions of the Hero ISL, but they are yet to make it to the finals. And for their new Spanish manager Miguel Ángel Portugal, that will be the target. “It is important to start well. This first match is the test for what is my team is capable of. I think the competition is very balanced. The way I see it, anyone can win it,” Portugal said while addressing a press conference on the eve of the game.

Even though the team has lost some of their mercurial players from last season, Delhi have brought in suitable replacements in the summer. Nigerian forward Kalu Uche will be the main man for Portugal’s team as far as attack is concerned. The Dynamos also have brought in Netherland striker Guyon Fernandez to compliment Uche.

Commenting on the opposition in tomorrow’s game, the Spaniard said, “Pune is a good team. They have some very good players in like Marcelinho and Alfaro in their squad. It’s a difficult place (Pune) to come and play. We will try to win for me that is important. But this is the first game so we’ll see how it goes. We’ll also have to uncover how other teams in the competition play.”

-Courtesy ISL Media

Also Read: FC Pune City vs Delhi Dynamos: Strength, Weakness & Players to watch out

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