FC Goa scripted history by becoming the first club to lift the Kalinga Super Cup twice. The Gaurs secured a comfortable victory over Jamshedpur FC in the high-stakes final to make their way to the AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 Preliminary round, returning to Asia again.

Under Manolo Marquez, FC Goa displayed their unwavering fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude, which helped them make the cut in this knockout tournament. They went unbeaten throughout the campaign and put an end to Manolo Marquez’s era in the most fashionable way.

With the curtains coming down on the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 season, let’s take a look at the biggest talking points from FC Goa’s triumphant campaign.

Knockout football brought out their character

After missing out on the ISL Shield by the slimmest of margins and exiting the playoffs in heartbreaking fashion, FC Goa finally had something tangible to show for their efforts, a trophy that validates their consistency.

In a ruthless format where one bad day meant elimination, the Gaurs showed steel, especially in the comeback win over Punjab FC in the quarter-finals and the composed response against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the semi-finals. Pressure didn’t break them; it sharpened them.

Defensive discipline

Often praised for their flair up front, FC Goa’s backline doesn’t always get the spotlight but this campaign, they struck the right balance between style and steel. One of the meanest defences in the league, the Gaurs finished with the joint-best defensive record in the tournament, conceding just two goals.

The centre-back pairing of Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia reminded everyone why they’re among the best in the country, while full-backs Akash Sangwan and Boris Singh made their presence felt at both ends of the pitch. Young Hrithik Tiwari emerged as one of the standout keepers, making important saves. In midfield, Carl McHugh and Sahil Tavora added grit and discipline, keeping things tight in the centre.

Despite not keeping clean sheets in the quarter-final and semi-final, the Gaurs saved their best for last. Up against a Jamshedpur FC side that had beaten them twice this season, they put on a rock-solid defensive performance in the final proving to be calm, composed and in control.

Herrera and Guarrotxena’s clutch performances

The Spanish duo of Borja Herrera and Iker Guarrotxena, were on fire for the Gaurs during the Kalinga Super Cup, scoring four goals each.

Herrera’s attacking flair, combined with goal-scoring prowess, added a significant dynamic to FC Goa’s style of play in the Kalinga Super Cup. Herrera, who played a pivotal role in East Bengal FC’s Kalinga Super Cup triumph last season, clinched the silverware this time with the Gaurs, to make it two in two.

The attacking midfielder scored an Olympico against MBSG in the semi-final clash, stealing the POTM award with his left-footed magical strike. He was at his very best in the final, scoring a brace in the final against Jamshedpur FC.

Guarrotxena scored a hat trick in FC Goa's RO16 opener against Gokulam Kerala FC and was also named the Player of the Match. He was also on the scoresheet against MBSG in their 3-1 win in the semis.

A sweet ending for Don Manolo

There couldn’t be a better ending than this for Manolo Marquez and Co, who capped off the 2024-25 season following their Kalinga Super Cup triumph.

The Spanish head coach took charge of FC Goa in the 2023-24 season and led them to qualify for the ISL playoffs after the Gaurs missed out on the knockouts in the previous two seasons. Under his guidance, the Gaurs were one one of the consistent teams throughout the ISL 2024-25 season and finished second in the points table.

Despite missing out on their opportunity to clinch the League Shield and win the ISL Cup, Manolo Marquez finally recorded his first trophy with FC Goa. Marquez’s man management, impactful substitutions, and tactical tweaks were decisive in the Gaurs’ Kalinga Super Cup success.

Solid performance in final

The Gaurs saved one of their most complete performances for the big stage. Despite falling short in the ISL playoffs, FC Goa showed they can hold their nerve when it counts, putting on a dominant display to down Jamshedpur FC 3-0 in the Kalinga Super Cup final.

Herrera's brace and Drazic’s cool finish sealed the deal, but it wasn’t just about the goals — they kept a clean sheet too, showing control and composure at both ends. Jamshedpur had their moments, but once the second goal went in, it was all Goa. From back to front, this was a statement win and a reminder that big teams show up in big games.

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2024-2025