ISL 2020-21 playoffs: Sergio Lobera hails Mumbai City FC boys after sealing first-ever final spot

By Team Newsable | First Published Mar 9, 2021, 12:12 PM IST

Mumbai City FC managed to finish atop the Indian Super League 2020-21 table, while FC Goa finished fourth. Both sides have been playing the tournament since 2014 and have been in the hunt for the maiden title. While Goa still has to wait, City has one last hurdle before the title.

Mumbai City FC continued on its prolific run during the 2020-21 Indian Super League, as it edged past FC Goa in penalties in the second leg of the semis at the GMC Stadium in Goa on Monday. The two were held 2-2 in the opening leg.

While it all stayed goalless after regulation and extra time, the penalties were exciting as well. Both sides relied on numerous misses and save before a final miss by Goa allowed City to seal its place in the final.

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Following the game, City boss Sergio Lobera was all praise for his boys, asserting that they deserved to be in the final. "I am very proud and happy to make the final. It's extraordinary to play in the final for me. I have excellent players and personalities in the dressing room. They deserve to enjoy this moment and hope to win the trophy for the people who believed in us at the start. My focus is on the final. I want to win the trophy," he said, reports Sportstar.

ALSO READ: Mumbai City FC books final berth after edging past FC Goa in penalties during semis

He also hailed his goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, who was phenomenal throughout the game, producing some top saves. "About Amrinder, it was a decision of goalkeeping coach. It was a brave decision by my coach. For me, Amrinder is the best goalkeeper in India, but Purba can do a good job in penalties. It was a tough game. In two legs, we suffered because we didn't have possession of the ball," he added.

Meanwhile, Goa manager Juan Ferrando too hailed both sides for delivering complete gameplay; besides ruing that tiredness could have been a factor that his boys missed so many penalties. "At the end, congratulations to Mumbai. After two times, they were a tough opponent. We had chances, but we didn't score. In penalties, it's bingo. The work of Naveen was outstanding. Our time.. maybe pressure or tired.. Physical and mentally... But, it is necessary to explain to the players that the first chapter was a good job," he reckoned.

"My focus is to rest 2-3 days and prepare for [AFC] Champions League. Football is tough to think two-three months ahead. We plan with the coaching staff and decide pre-season for ACL. It's important for FC Goa and Indian football," he concluded.

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