Sergio Lobera has heaped praise on his players after FC Goa picked up an important victory away from home defeating FC Pune City 4-0 to keep their hopes of booking a berth in the play-offs alive.
Goa needed nothing less than a victory to stay in the hunt for the semi-finals in their 16th round game on Sunday at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune.
Goa took a solitary goal lead in the first half lead through a penalty converted by Spaniard Manuel Lanzarote in the 28th minute.
Hugo Boumous doubled the lead just after the break after dancing past two defenders and firing a shot. Caro added a brace in the 58th after playing one-two with Boumous and the 65th minute.
Despite suffering such a humiliating loss, Pune have booked their place in the semi-finals, due to their impressive performances earlier in the season.
After the match Goa coach Sergio Lobera spoke of his players’ response after they went without a win for five games
“I think we broke the negative trend which was very important for us. To do that in a stadium like this and against a team like that and in the manner, we did, completely changed our dynamics. But, changing the dynamic is the first step.
“It changes only when you maintain continuity. For me, this game does not exist anymore. I have five minutes to celebrate. Now, I have to start thinking about ATK,” said the former Las Palmas coach
“We returned to our football. We had the ball and control of the game. We were capable of generating chances and dominated against a team that has done very well this season. Tactically, we executed perfectly what we needed to do today.
“I am proud of the players, they demonstrated personality and belief in themselves and they were capable of turning around the negativity.”
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