Odisha FC look to make playoff bid as the Mariners set sight on the ISL Shield
After a thrilling 3-1 comeback victory over Hyderabad FC, the Kalinga Warriors head into their final three matches of the league season with their playoff hopes in the balance. The Kalinga Warriors face a monumental challenge against league leaders Mohun Bagan SG at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, with the home side within touching distance of the Shield.
The warriors have no room for error; they need maximum points from their remaining three fixtures to secure a place in the playoffs. Sergio Lobera's men will go level with Mumbai City with a win, with the Islanders having been held by Hyderabad FC in their last outing.
Odisha FC currently sit in 7th place in the league, with 29 points, with two of their final three games against sides in the top three.
On the other hand, Mohun Bagan SG will look to wrap up the Shield with a win against their eastern rivals. They enter this match after a dominant 3-0 victory over Kerala Blasters FC. With 49 points from 21 games, they are 10 points clear of second-placed FC Goa, and three more points would leave an insurmountable gap between the Mariners and the Gaurs.
The reverse fixture between Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan at the Kalinga Stadium ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
Head coach Lobera and midfielder Raynier Fernandes addressed the press in the run-up to the crunch encounter.
Lobera sounded an optimistic tone when asked about the recent record against Mohun Bagan. "We are in a positive mood. The past is the past, but we achieved something very important last season, and hopefully, we can replicate that. It’s the kind of game every player and every coach wants to be part of," said Lobera.
He acknowledged the challenge posed by Mohun Bagan's formidable center-backs. "We need to find the right balance. When you’re attacking and trying to score, it’s crucial to stay focused because there’s not much difference in the movement and the goals we’ve been scoring. We need to avoid conceding too many chances to the opponent, especially in this game, as we know the potential they have in attack. Every mistake could be dangerous for us."
Raynier shared his thoughts when asked about being more cautious with tackles, saying: "Football is a contact sport, and it’s difficult to avoid all tackles. But in the end, what’s best for the team is what matters. Whether decisions go in our favour or not, we just want to play our game and be tough on the field. It’s an away game, and the crowd will be watching, so we have to do what we do best."
On the subject of too many draws this season, he said: "It’s not about being unlucky. Football is a 90-minute game; sometimes luck goes your way, sometimes it doesn’t. We just have to stay focused throughout the game and keep working hard in training. We approach every game aiming for three points."
Match Details:
Mohun Bagan SG vs Odisha FC
23rd Feb 2025 | Friday | 7:30 PM | Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
Live on JioHotstar, Star Sports-3
Odisha FC look to make playoff bid as the Mariners set sight on the ISL Shield
After a thrilling 3-1 comeback victory over Hyderabad FC, the Kalinga Warriors head into their final three matches of the league season with their playoff hopes in the balance. The Kalinga Warriors face a monumental challenge against league leaders Mohun Bagan SG at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, with the home side within touching distance of the Shield.
The warriors have no room for error; they need maximum points from their remaining three fixtures to secure a place in the playoffs. Sergio Lobera's men will go level with Mumbai City with a win, with the Islanders having been held by Hyderabad FC in their last outing.
Odisha FC currently sit in 7th place in the league, with 29 points, with two of their final three games against sides in the top three.
On the other hand, Mohun Bagan SG will look to wrap up the Shield with a win against their eastern rivals. They enter this match after a dominant 3-0 victory over Kerala Blasters FC. With 49 points from 21 games, they are 10 points clear of second-placed FC Goa, and three more points would leave an insurmountable gap between the Mariners and the Gaurs.
The reverse fixture between Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan at the Kalinga Stadium ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
Head coach Lobera and midfielder Raynier Fernandes addressed the press in the run-up to the crunch encounter.
Lobera sounded an optimistic tone when asked about the recent record against Mohun Bagan. "We are in a positive mood. The past is the past, but we achieved something very important last season, and hopefully, we can replicate that. It’s the kind of game every player and every coach wants to be part of," said Lobera.
He acknowledged the challenge posed by Mohun Bagan's formidable center-backs. "We need to find the right balance. When you’re attacking and trying to score, it’s crucial to stay focused because there’s not much difference in the movement and the goals we’ve been scoring. We need to avoid conceding too many chances to the opponent, especially in this game, as we know the potential they have in attack. Every mistake could be dangerous for us."
Raynier shared his thoughts when asked about being more cautious with tackles, saying: "Football is a contact sport, and it’s difficult to avoid all tackles. But in the end, what’s best for the team is what matters. Whether decisions go in our favour or not, we just want to play our game and be tough on the field. It’s an away game, and the crowd will be watching, so we have to do what we do best."
On the subject of too many draws this season, he said: "It’s not about being unlucky. Football is a 90-minute game; sometimes luck goes your way, sometimes it doesn’t. We just have to stay focused throughout the game and keep working hard in training. We approach every game aiming for three points."
Match Details:
Mohun Bagan SG vs Odisha FC
23rd Feb 2025 | Friday | 7:30 PM | Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
Live on JioHotstar, Star Sports-3
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