FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez described the 2-2 draw against Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Saturday as a fair result. Despite taking a strong 2-0 lead through goals from Sandesh Jhingan and Sahil Tavora, FC Goa couldn’t hold on as the home side mounted an impressive comeback, with Ryan Williams and Jorge Diaz finding the net for Bengaluru FC.

A win would have lifted FC Goa above Odisha FC to third in the standings, but the draw leaves them level on points with the Kalinga Warriors and five points adrift of second-placed Bengaluru FC. While Marquez was disappointed with the dropped points, he acknowledged the fightback by the Blues.

“I think so (a draw was a fair result). The only thing is that when you are winning 2-0, you feel you lost two points. I feel Bengaluru FC pushed a lot and they scored two goals and finally it's one point. Not enough for our job. But I think this can be (considered) a fair result,” Marquez said in the post-match press conference.

Bengaluru FC, despite trailing early, created multiple chances and forced the FC Goa goalkeeper into action in the first half. However, Marquez felt his team was better before the break but admitted that the second half belonged to Bengaluru FC, whose attacking prowess troubled his side’s defense.

“We were better than them in the first half. Much better than them, in the first half. In the second, when we were only not playing, we were only defending. We scored in one action (through Tavora), a set piece and then we didn’t defend in a good way. They found (the gaps).. they have very good players, players who can pass the ball, arrive from the second line with a good aerial game and finally, they scored two goals. This is the reason they are second in the table,” he explained.

Marquez also lauded the passionate Bengaluru FC supporters at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium for their unwavering backing of the home side while reflecting on his previous experiences at the venue, which has historically been a fortress for the Blues.

“The crowd is fantastic. They support (the team) a lot. I would like more crowds in India like this when the team is losing 2-0. They pushed (the team).. This is the reason that I say this. I came here with Hyderabad FC and it was a fantastic game. I remember we won 3-0. Last season, it was equal 0-0 (with FC Goa) and this season again, it was an equal game,” Marquez recalled.