Guwahati/Fatorda, April 9 – FC Goa will aim to bounce back from their first loss of the season against Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 at the PJN Stadium in Goa on Friday. Sporting Club Delhi will look to secure their second consecutive victory against NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.
NorthEast United FC, returning after 20 days, will aim to recover from a 1-4 defeat to Odisha FC last month. SC Delhi, with 5 points, are just one point behind NorthEast United. A win on Friday would propel them to eight points, allowing them to overtake the home team. Historically, SC Delhi (including their past Hyderabad FC and FC Pune City affiliations) have a 10-7 advantage over NorthEast United, with five draws.
NorthEast United coach Juan Pedro Benali acknowledged the visitors' clear tactical approach. "They play good football. They have a clear system, a clear way to play with very fast, technically good players," he stated. "They have a good coach on the bench. They are highly motivated because they won the last game, and we didn't. I think it will not be easy."
Ankith Padmanabhan of NorthEast United highlighted the squad's motivation. "We will give our absolute best and try to get three points," he said. "The morale in the dressing room is always high, and we are just one win away from getting back in full rhythm."
Sporting Club Delhi's Assistant Coach Noel Joseph embraced the high stakes. "We go game by game. Every match is an opportunity to climb the table. Our last two performances have been very good, and this is another chance to set higher standards," he stated.
Tomasz Tchórz, head coach of SC Delhi, will be suspended due to a red card in their last fixture against Kerala Blasters. Joseph added, "However, it won’t be easy. NorthEast United is well organised, has a good structure, and is creative on set pieces. With all respect to them, we are going for three points."
SC Delhi's Augustine Lalrochana echoed the importance of their upward trajectory. "If we win the next match, we can move higher in the table. We need to win every match, so we’re working hard and focusing on the next game," he said.
In the evening fixture, FC Goa will return to Fatorda seeking a response after a 0-2 defeat to Bengaluru FC that ended their unbeaten run. With 10 points, head coach Manolo Márquez’s side must convert draws into wins. They have four draws from seven matches. Claiming three points would elevate Goa to 13.
Odisha FC will aim to rebound from a 0-1 defeat to league leaders Mumbai City FC. Despite a resolute defensive display and crucial saves from goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, the Juggernauts conceded a 73rd-minute header.
Currently tenth with five points from as many matches, Odisha FC will look to climb up the table. With games in hand, a win tomorrow will boost their chances.
FC Goa have dominated this matchup, boasting 15 victories to Odisha FC's three across 24 ISL meetings, alongside six draws. The Gaurs claimed a 2-1 victory in their most recent clash at Goa in February 2025.
Reflecting on their recent performances and the final stretch of the season, FC Goa head coach Manolo Márquez demanded a sharper start from his team. "I was disappointed with how we started. You cannot concede so early against an experienced team like Bengaluru. Even if statistics showed we had more possession and corners, they controlled the game," Márquez explained. "Still, I’m satisfied with the squad and believe we can have a good season."
Looking at the standings with just six matches remaining, the Spanish tactician added, "We are in mid-table, so it’s also a moment to give chances to other players. We still have six games and can fight for something more, although it will be difficult to reach the top positions."
Assessing Odisha FC, Márquez praised their resilience. "They are well organised defensively. Before the competition, I thought they might struggle because they didn’t train early, but they are competing very well," he noted. "They have experienced players and are very competitive. It will be a difficult game. The team that scores first will have a big advantage."
FC Goa's young prospect Bob Jackson Raj offered a perspective on the squad's internal competition. "As a young player in the squad, every time you watch the game you want to play, play, play, and sometimes you get demotivated," Raj shared. "But as you become a professional, you understand that training sessions are more important. That’s what I’m focusing on – giving my best in training and waiting for my opportunity."
For Odisha FC, head coach T.G. Purushothaman expressed pride in his squad's collective effort. "These boys have shown brilliance. Playing as a team is appreciable. They are giving everything," Purushothaman stated. "We are focusing on the present and preparing for the upcoming match. We must focus on all aspects – defence, attack, transitions. Goals will come when we create more chances."
Anticipating a balanced tactical battle against FC Goa's domestic-heavy lineup, Purushothaman added, "It will be an evenly fought match. I don’t focus on foreigners – it’s about quality. We are facing a good team with a good coach. We are prepared. We’ve analysed their defence, attack, and transitions. We’ve practised solutions and hope to implement them."
Odisha FC midfielder Rohit Kumar highlighted the team's resilience in overcoming a truncated preparation period. "As professionals, we must deliver in any situation. We were desperate to play," Kumar noted. "We had a short pre-season, but the coach gave us confidence. From the first game onward, we’ve developed and want to continue this path."
With crucial points to be won, all four teams will hope to secure wins in their respective matches and gain some momentum in the final stretch of the season.