FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez wasn’t too disappointed with his team’s efforts despite falling to a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of the semi-final against Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Wednesday.

An own goal from Sandesh Jhingan and a strike from Edgar Mendez have put the Blues in commanding position going into the second leg in Goa on Sunday.

Match Report: Bengaluru FC 2-0 FC Goa

However, the Spaniard felt that the scoreline wasn’t a fair reflection of his team’s efforts.

“For me the game was more even than the final score,” he said during the post-match press conference.

“Maybe, we didn't create many clear chances but we were in control of the game especially in the second half which is normal because Bengaluru FC were winning 2-0. I'm not very disappointed with our performance,” he added.

Marquez felt his team were a bit rusty having played their last match on March 8 but also acknowledged the strength that Bengaluru FC have.

“We were without a competitive game for almost one month. But Bengaluru FC have a very good team. But I am very proud that we finished ten points above Bengaluru FC because they are a top team. Mohun Bagan Super Giant, FC Goa and Bengaluru FC are the three best squads in ISL,” he said.

Looking ahead to the second leg, Marquez made an appeal to the FC Goa supporters to turn up in large numbers at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Fatorda to push the team in their bid to turn the deficit around.

“The reality is that we need to try to turn this score (around). It will be difficult. But there are 90 more minutes,” he said.

“We know that there will be a lot of fans at the Fatorda. We want the supporters to come to the stadium and do as good as or better if it's possible than the Bengaluru FC fans. Finally, it's a game. In the regular season, we beat them 3-0. Obviously, there is always hope,” he concluded.

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