FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez admitted his side faced difficulties, particularly in the second half despite the Gaurs securing a 2-1 victory over ten men Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Thursday.

The match saw Brison Fernandes give FC Goa the lead in the 29th minute, while an own goal by Lalthathanga Khawlhring doubled their lead in the 47th minute. Odisha FC retaliated back in the 57th minute with a goal from Rahul KP, yet their efforts proved futile.

Home heals all wounds 🧡3️⃣#FCGOFC pic.twitter.com/0BKNDpfbaj

— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) February 6, 2025

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Marquez acknowledged the team's strong start but noted their struggles after the break.

"The first half...the score in the first half, despite the penalty, I think that we played a good game. In some moments, very good…In the second half, I don't know if, without the red card, FC Goa would have won the game. I had doubts because they were playing much better than us. We lost complete control of the game," this Spaniard stated.

He further praised Odisha FC's attacking intensity and acknowledged that they created several dangerous moments. "They risked a lot because they need points. They attacked a lot on the flanks, with wingers and backs. They tried to create actions 2-1, and switch sides. They played very, very well in the second half. It's not only because FC Goa was bad or more than bad, scared. It's because the credit goes to Odisha FC because they were very brave,” he added.

Marquez also reflected on the nervousness of his players, given the high stakes towards the end of the season. "You can say that maybe they deserve to draw. But it's true, on the other side, that when the end of the season is arriving, you are scared. If you check all the games, except for Mohun Bagan SG, because they are comfortable at the table, all the other teams are fighting a lot for every single point. I think, my feeling, is that we were nervous. We didn't control the game."

Marquez acknowledged that his side had missed several clear opportunities to extend their lead but reiterated the quality of their opponents. "I think that it's true that we had clear chances. But we cannot forget that Odisha, for me, is a top team. They have very good players. Very good foreigners. A great coach. Even though he wasn't on the bench today."

With this victory, FC Goa moved to second place in the league table with 36 points, ten points behind leaders Mohun Bagan SG. Talking about their chances of winning the League Shield, he said,

"Mathematically, the option is there. Realistically, I think that we need to fight for the second position. With these three points today, we are very close. The first target is to qualify for the top six. Then we need to keep going."

Looking ahead, he acknowledged the challenges of the upcoming fixtures, with all their remaining opponents fighting for the playoff battle, making their fixtures even more difficult.

"Today was Odisha FC, but the next game is (against) Mumbai City FC, fighting for the top six. The next game (after) is (against) Kerala Blasters FC, fighting for the top six. And then it's Punjab FC, fighting for the top six...I think it will be very tough until the end for every team," he concluded.

FC Goa will now turn their attention to their next fixture against Mumbai City FC on February 12.