Tag: Manolo Marquez

Sports

FC Goa Clinch AIFF Super Cup in Dramatic Shootout, Seal AFC Champions League 2 Spot

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

FC Goa secured a historic AIFF Super Cup triumph after edging East Bengal FC 6-5 in a dramatic sudden-death penalty shootout at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in Margao. The victory not only allowed them to defend their title successfully but also helped them clinch a coveted berth in next season’s AFC Champions League 2. With this win, the Gaurs extended their record by lifting the trophy for the third time, establishing themselves as one of the most dominant sides in the competition’s history.

The final was a gripping affair from the outset, with both teams creating a flurry of chances and displaying relentless intensity. The home side began brightly, backed by strong local support, and threatened through early set pieces. East Bengal gradually settled and carved out opportunities of their own, including a clear chance in the 12th minute when Miguel Ferreira broke through but shot wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. Bipin Singh and Mahesh Naorem kept Goa on high alert with dangerous plays from the flanks, while FC Goa responded with long-range efforts and probing through balls.

The match saw swings in momentum after the break, with both sides coming close to breaking the deadlock. East Bengal nearly scored in the 74th minute when PV Vishnu’s effort forced a fumble from goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, but the Goa custodian reacted quickly to prevent the ball from crossing the line. The close call awakened FC Goa, who hit the upright through Brison Fernandes before Dejan Drazic missed a clear header moments later. In extra time, Gill produced crucial saves for East Bengal to keep them in contention, including a reflex stop from Siverio’s rebound and a sharp grab from Timor’s header.

With no goals after 120 minutes, the final moved into a tense penalty shootout. Both teams held their nerve through the initial five attempts, finishing 4-4. In sudden death, Sahil Tavora converted for FC Goa after Udanta Singh scored his attempt for East Bengal. The game was finally decided when substitute Hamid Ahadad scored but PV Vishnu missed the target with his effort, handing FC Goa the victory. Despite Gill getting hands to a few penalties, East Bengal ultimately fell short by a single miss.

FC Goa’s composure under pressure, clinical finishing from the spot, and resilience throughout the contest underscored their championship mentality. The result cements their legacy in Indian football, gives them continental exposure next season, and marks another memorable night for the fans who witnessed a classic final unfold in Margao.

Sports

FC Goa Edge Mumbai City FC 2–1 to Enter AIFF Super Cup 2025 Final

allycaralgoa

FATORDA, GOA | December 4, 2025 FC Goa marched into their third AIFF Super Cup final after clinching a gripping 2–1 win over Mumbai City FC at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda. The defending champions were tested throughout the night, but early goals from Brison Fernandes (20’) and David Timor (23’) were enough to secure the victory and book a title clash with East Bengal.

The match began in extraordinary fashion, with dramatic scenes unfolding even before kick-off. FC Goa captain Iker Guarrotxena was sent off due to a tunnel incident, forcing a last-minute change in the starting lineup as Javier Siverio stepped in. Despite losing their leader, Goa remained unfazed and focused.

Their resilience showed almost instantly. In the 20th minute, Brison Fernandes pounced on a defensive misjudgment from Mumbai’s Rubio, firing a powerful left-footed shot past Phurba Lachenpa to send Fatorda into raptures. Just three minutes later, Goa struck again. Timor unleashed a fierce long-range effort that Lachenpa mishandled, allowing the ball to loop helplessly into the net, gifting the champions a 2–0 cushion.

Goa continued to dominate much of the first half. Timor nearly doubled his tally from a stunning free-kick, forcing Lachenpa into an outstanding save, before the goalkeeper denied Borja Herrera on the rebound. Mumbai City, though shaken, remained dangerous—most notably when Jorge Pereyra Díaz rattled the crossbar with a sharp effort.

The second half ignited with Mumbai pushing forward aggressively. In the 52nd minute, Hrithik Tiwari brought down Díaz, leading to a penalty. But Lallianzuala Chhangte failed to convert, sending his effort high over the bar, a moment that deeply stung Mumbai’s momentum.

Seven minutes later, Mumbai finally found a breakthrough. Pereyra Díaz slipped a clever ball to Brandon Fernandes, who steadied himself despite slipping and placed a composed finish into the bottom corner. At 2–1, the semi-final roared back to life.

The final half-hour was an all-out Mumbai offensive—relentless pressure, rapid combinations, and multiple attempts on goal. But FC Goa’s defence stood tall, with Hrithik Tiwari making critical saves to keep the Gaurs in front. Mumbai threw bodies forward in stoppage time, but could not force an equaliser.

With the victory, FC Goa advance to the Super Cup final, where they will attempt to defend their crown. However, they will be without captain Guarrotxena, who remains suspended following the pre-match incident.

Sports

AIFF Super Cup 2025: FC Goa Face Mumbai City FC in Blockbuster Semifinal at Fatorda

allycaralgoa

Fatorda, December 3, 2025: The reigning AIFF Super Cup champions FC Goa are set to light up the Fatorda Stadium once again as they prepare for a much-awaited semifinal showdown against arch-rivals Mumbai City FC on Thursday, December 4, at 8:00 PM IST.

This semifinal arrives at a crucial moment for FC Goa, who have endured one of the most demanding stretches of competitive football among all ISL clubs. While Indian football has seen an extended break in domestic action, the Gaurs have remained in top-flight rhythm. Over the last three months, FC Goa have played an AFC Champions League Two qualifier against Al Seeb (Oman), three Super Cup group-stage matches, and five AFC Champions League Two fixtures against top clubs from Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Tajikistan.

With all their Asian away fixtures completed, the champions return home physically sharp, mentally seasoned, and fully in rhythm—an advantage that could prove decisive in a knockout fixture of this magnitude.

Speaking about the team’s momentum, Head Coach Manolo Marquez said:
“I would prefer to be in FC Goa’s position with more training and more games. Playing in the AFC Champions League Two against strong teams helps a lot. But again, this is a knockout match—90 or 120 minutes—anything can happen.”

Meanwhile, Mumbai City FC enter the semifinal after nearly a month without competitive action. Despite this, Marquez emphasized that they remain one of the most consistent and formidable sides in Indian football:
“They are a quality team with strong foreigners, an experienced coach, and several Indian national team players.”

FC Goa head into the semifinals after a strong group-stage campaign, finishing top of their group despite a narrow loss to NorthEast United in a rotated final match. With the semifinal at hand, the Gaurs are expected to return to a more settled starting XI, restoring full strength as they push to defend their crown.

Young defender Ronney Wilson, who has impressed in both AFC Champions League and Super Cup fixtures, spoke about the team’s unity and growth:
“Playing in the Champions League has helped all of us improve. The bond in the dressing room is strong thanks to all these games. We’re ready for the next challenge.”

This matchup also carries emotional weight. Their last meeting in February 2025 saw FC Goa deliver one of their most dominant wins—a 1–3 victory in Mumbai, highlighted by a brace from former fan-favourite Iker Guarrotxena and a composed goal from Borja Herrera. That performance dismantled the hosts and remains a proud memory for the Gaurs.

Now, under the floodlights of Fatorda, the champions return home with rhythm, confidence, and the unwavering support of the Gaurs faithful as they prepare for a high-stakes semifinal filled with intensity, passion, and drama.

Sports

FC Goa Signs Spanish Striker Javier Siverio Ahead of ISL 2025–26 Season

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Panaji, July 29, 2025 – FC Goa have officially announced the signing of Spanish forward Javier Siverio, bolstering their attacking arsenal ahead of a high-stakes 2025–26 campaign that includes domestic and continental ambitions.

The 27-year-old arrives in Goa with a rich footballing background. Born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, Siverio sharpened his skills in the youth academies of UD Las Palmas and Racing Santander, before making a mark in Indian football with Hyderabad FC in 2021. Since then, he has become a familiar and feared name in the ISL, with 31 goals to his name.

His time in India includes winning the ISL title with Hyderabad FC and helping East Bengal FC lift the 2024 Super Cup—making him one of the few foreign players with significant silverware in recent seasons.

The striker has already joined training in Goa and is preparing with the squad as the Gaurs set their sights on silverware in the Indian Super League and beyond.

With this signing, FC Goa signals its intent to be title contenders in 2025–26 — and fans can expect thrilling football ahead.

📖 Stay tuned to allycaral.com for all the latest updates from Indian football.

Sports

AIFF Xavi Prank: 19-Year-Old Dupes Indian Football Body With Fake Application for Head Coach Job

Tanisha Cardozo

Xavi Never Applied: AIFF Duped by Fake Email From 19-Year-Old, Say Reports

In a stunning turn of events, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) finds itself at the center of a bizarre controversy involving Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez.

Earlier this month, AIFF officials told the Times of India that Xavi had formally applied for the vacant head coach role of the Indian national team. The federation claimed the application was ultimately rejected due to financial constraints, citing his high salary expectations.

But now, explosive revelations from top European football journalists contradict AIFF’s claims entirely.

According to Fabrizio Romano, one of the most trusted names in global football journalism, “Zero talks took place between Xavi Hernandez and the Indian Federation.” Renowned Spanish journalist Ferran Correas echoed the sentiment, stating through Barca Times that people close to Xavi were “shocked” by the claims and insist he never applied. Correas even suggested the AIFF may have intentionally used Xavi’s name to boost the job’s visibility.

The story took a more scandalous turn when reports emerged that a 19-year-old had created a fake email address — xaviofficialfcb@gmail.com — and sent a bogus application to the AIFF. A video circulating on X (formerly Twitter) appears to show this email as part of the prank.

Despite these claims, AIFF’s National Team Director, Subrata Paul, was quoted by TOI saying, “Yes, Xavi’s name was there. The application was emailed to the AIFF.” However, the email’s authenticity was not verified independently by several outlets, including the Hindustan Times.

The incident comes amid AIFF’s ongoing search for a new national team head coach following the departure of Spaniard Manolo Marquez. Other applicants reportedly include Stephen Constantine, Harry Kewell, Steve Kean, Kibu Vicuna, and Khalid Jamil.

While the search continues, the federation faces serious questions over its credibility, due diligence, and internal vetting process. Whether this was an innocent mistake or an intentional media play, the embarrassment is undeniable — and the football world is watching.