Road to ISL playoffs: Consistency and the Sergio Lobera effect- 4 things FC Goa did right to make it to the semi-finals
Indian Super League's fifth edition is close to its end and what a season it was. The fans got to see everything on the football grounds across the country, from Coro's goals to Chhetri's moments of brilliance, to some great saves by Amrinder Singh, we have seen it all this season.
With all the league rounds over, the top four sides have been decided and no previous winner has been able to secure a place amongst the top four sides of this season.
The playoffs come with the guarantee of a new winner with Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, Mumbai City FC and NorthEast United FC fighting it out for the prestigious ISL trophy.
Let's take a look at how one of those four sides made it to the playoffs.
FC Goa once again proved that they are the best attacking force in the league by scoring a massive 36 goals in 18 matches, 2 on average per game.
The Sergio Lobera managed side kept it tight at the back as well as they only conceded 20 in 18 matches, just over 1 per game.
#1 Consistency: The key
FC Goa has been consistent throughout this season of the Indian Super League allowing them to be equal on points with Bengaluru FC despite losing to them twice in the season.
Bengaluru FC faltered against the lower table sides who were destroyed at Fatorda Stadium by the Gaurs.
The Virat Kohli co-owned team has destroyed a lot of oppositions at home starting with their semi-final opponents Mumbai City FC who were thrashed 5-0 in the earlier parts of the season.
Another semi-finalist in NorthEast United conceded five goals at the Fatorda Stadium while hitting only one in response.
FC Goa picked up 22 points out of a possible 27 at home this season with only one defeat to Bengaluru FC and a stalemate with Jamshedpur FC hindering their otherwise perfect home record.