PANJIM (India): Defending champions Bengaluru FC take on FC Goa in the Indian Super League (ISL) at Fatorda Stadium (Goa) on Monday.
“We’re all aware that games against Goa are demanding. They’re a team very similar to us. We’re both aware of each other’s style of play,” said Bengaluru coach Carles Cuadrat.
Bengaluru was held to a goalless draw against NorthEast United at home last week.
Sergio Lobera’s Goa began their season with a 3-0 win over Chennaiyin FC.
The Gaurs had missed Hugo Boumous and Edu Bedia, but their return will boost the squad on the morrow.
However, the Spaniard will have the services of Moroccan midfielder Ahmed Jahouh who served a one-game suspension for his sending off in last season’s final.
The Blues is likely to enjoy the upper hand as they had won four out of the five games against Goan.
But Cuadrat refused to make much of the statistics.
“The games between us have always been close. As a coach, I want to look forward. It won’t be Lobera versus me, but it’ll Bengaluru vs Goa,” he said.
Both the sides had contested in last season’s final.
Asked whether lack of scoring had left him disappointed in the first game, Cuadrat said, “We had chances from Manu, Ashique, Chhetri, Nishu and Udanta. That only suggested we’ve different players with chances. There are days in football where the ball just won’t get past the line.”
