FC Goa’s first home match of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 began in a delightful way as they managed to hand Bengaluru FC their first loss of the season with a 4-3 win at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Thursday. Ferran Corominas was undoubtedly the star for the hosts as his hat-trick coupled with Manuel Lanzarote’s penalty, took the match away from the Blues, whose fightback led by Miku and Erik Paartalu was not enough to save them from imminent defeat.

Bengaluru’s head coach Albert Roca quite understandable looked dejected in the post-match press conference but stressed on having to learn from the many mistakes made by the visitors. “Yes, the beginning was not as expected. There were too many passes in the midfield. You have to be braver and we have to work on that. Also in the second half, we have to be a bit calmer. Goa wasn’t pressing too much, just trying to move the ball fast. We need to find solutions in the attack. We did well, we came back really quick after Goa’s first goal and that’s the reaction we want. But too many things happened today with the players and it’s a shame. It’s time to wake up and keep working if we want to be there at the top. It’s just the question of controlling our emotions. You have to go on the pitch 100% focussed.”

Even Sunil Chhetri, who was a livewire in the Blues’ previous two encounters, looked lacklustre against Goa and failed to create many chances, but the Spaniard was all praise for his captain. “I know Sunil is a great player but he’s human. He can play better but this player has given so much for us, it’s not always that he can be at the same level. Today he was fighting as well as creating. I’m proud to have this kind of players in my squad,” he said.

Bengaluru is known for the roaring fan support they enjoy at home, but the FC Goa fans were not far behind. The passionate Gaurs created a thunderous atmosphere, backing their team passionately through the 90 minutes. Speaking about the atmosphere, Roca concluded, “Yes, they have plenty of support. Goa loves football and this is nice to see. I think they can fight for a place in the semi-finals. They have a brilliant team with a good coach. I expect them to be in the semi-finals but it’s a long way and this is just a game and three points. We have to look forward and expect to be better next game.”