ISL: FC Goa’s performance in playoffs over years

The Gaurs have made it to the playoffs 8 times in 11 seasons.

FC Goa has consistently been a powerhouse in the Indian Super League (ISL) since its inception in 2014. The Gaurs have made it to the playoffs eight times in 11 seasons, showcasing their dominance and resilience. Despite their consistent performances, the elusive ISL Cup has remained just out of reach, with heartbreaks in both finals and semifinals.

However, they made history by becoming the first team to win the ISL Shield and represent India in the AFC Champions League, marking a significant milestone for Indian football. The Gaurs have again managed to qualify for the semifinals this season and look set to compete for top honours.

𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬!👋🏻 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0RGygzYJ8I

— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) March 4, 2025

As the club heads into the playoffs, let us analyze FC Goa’s playoff track record, dissecting their near-misses and moments of brilliance over the years. While analyzing their current form, squad strength, and tactical approach, let us assess whether the club could finally break their trophy jinx this season.

ISL 2014 – Going down to ATK on penalties in the semifinals

In the inaugural season of the Indian Super League, FC Goa showcased their strength by finishing second in the points table, narrowly trailing table-toppers Chennaiyin FC by just a single point. Their semifinal clash was set against ATK, with both legs proving to be tense. The first leg ended in a goalless stalemate, and the second leg also saw neither side breaking the deadlock across 180 minutes of football.

With the match heading to a penalty shootout, FC Goa’s hopes were dashed as Andre Santos and Zohib Islam Amiri missed their spot-kicks. ATK capitalized on these misses, clinching the shootout 4-2 and advancing to the final, leaving FC Goa heartbroken in their quest for a title in their first season.

ISL 2015 – Reaching their first-ever ISL Finals

In the 2015 Indian Super League season, FC Goa were on a mission to break their semifinal jinx and made a powerful statement by finishing as table-toppers with 25 points. Their dominance was evident as they lost only three fixtures in the regular season, establishing themselves as firm contenders for the title. Drawn against Delhi Dynamos in the semifinals, Goa triumphed with a 3-1 aggregate win, thanks to goals from Joffre, Rafael Coelho, and Dudu Omagbemi, securing their first-ever appearance in an ISL final.

However, their dreams of lifting the trophy were shattered in a heart-wrenching finale against Chennaiyin FC. Despite taking a 2-1 lead in the dying minutes, a late brace from Steven Mendoza sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory for Chennaiyin, leaving FC Goa agonizingly close yet again, still searching for their elusive first title.

ALSO READ: ISL 2024-25: Teams who can still qualify for the ISL playoffs

ISL 2017-18 : The Lobera Era began with a bang

After failing to qualify for the semifinals in the 2016 ISL season, FC Goa entered a new era under head coach Sergio Lobera. Determined to reclaim their spot among the league’s elite, Goa stormed into the semifinals by defeating Jamshedpur FC 3-0 in the Furnace. Their next challenge awaited in the form of Chennaiyin FC, a familiar foe. The first leg at Fatorda saw Manuel Lanzarote give FC Goa an early lead, but Anirudh Thapa’s equalizer ensured the match ended in a tense 1-1 draw, leaving everything to play for in the return leg.

However, the second leg proved a harsh reality check for Lobera’s men. Jeje Lalpekhlua’s clinical brace and Dhanpal Ganesh’s strike saw Chennaiyin dominate the fixture, with the aggregate scoreline reading 4-1 in their favour. Despite flashes of brilliance throughout the season, FC Goa’s title dreams were once again dashed, as they fell short of reaching the much-coveted ISL final.

ISL 2018-19: Bheke’s header crushed Goa’s trophy hopes

The 2018-19 ISL season saw FC Goa storm into the semifinals again, finishing second in the points table. Determined to break their semifinal curse, they were drawn against Mumbai City FC. In a stunning first-leg performance at the Mumbai Football Arena, the Gaurs dismantled Mumbai with a 5-1 victory. Jackichand Singh, Coro, and Brandon Fernandes found the net, while Mourtada Fall bagged a commanding brace, a statement of intent from a side hungry for silverware.

With their place in the final secured, FC Goa seemed poised to lift the coveted ISL trophy finally. However, heartbreak struck again as Bengaluru FC’s Rahul Bheke scored a dramatic header in the dying minutes of extra time. The narrow 1-0 defeat meant Goa’s wait for the elusive title continued despite their spirited run and an explosive attacking display throughout the campaign.

ISL 2019-20: Goa creates history and wins the ISL Shield

The 2019-20 season etched FC Goa’s name in ISL history as they became the first-ever team to win the prestigious ISL Shield. This monumental achievement showcased their dominance in the league and secured them a direct spot in the AFC Champions League, a groundbreaking moment for Indian football. However, their joy was short-lived as a sudden twist unfolded just before the semifinals, with head coach Sergio Lobera mutually parting ways with the club. Steering the Gaurs through the knockout stage fell to Clifford Miranda, adding another layer of drama to their campaign.

Drawn against a familiar foe, Chennaiyin FC — a team that often shattered Goa’s dreams, the semifinals proved a steep challenge. Owen Coyle’s side delivered a hammer blow in the first leg, netting four goals to claim a commanding 4-1 victory. Despite FC Goa’s spirited effort in the return leg, it was not enough, as they fought valiantly to bridge the deficit. The aggregate scoreline of 6-5 ultimately favoured Chennaiyin FC, leaving FC Goa’s hopes of an ISL title dashed once more, even as they prepared to embark on their historic continental journey.

ISL 2020-21: Lobera vs Goa became a reality

The 2020-21 season again saw FC Goa securing a spot in the semifinals, finishing fourth in the league standings. Fate, however, had a twist in store as they were drawn against Mumbai City FC, led by none other than their former coach, Sergio Lobera. The two-legged semifinal was a fierce battle of tactics and resilience, with both teams cancelling each other out over 180 minutes. Neither side could break the deadlock, and the match headed into a tense penalty shootout to decide the finalist.

Under Juan Ferrando’s guidance, FC Goa fought valiantly, but the drama escalated in the sudden death of the shootout. It all came down to a crucial moment when Glan Martins missed his penalty, handing Mumbai City FC a narrow victory. Despite their unwavering effort, the Gaurs again fell short of the ultimate prize, leaving their fans heartbroken and prolonging their elusive hunt for the coveted ISL trophy.

ISL 2023-24: The Marquez Era storms Goa into the semis

After two seasons of heartbreak, FC Goa roared back into the semifinals with a renewed sense of purpose under the leadership of Manolo Márquez. His appointment as head coach ignited a resurgence, reviving the club’s golden days and steering them to a third-place finish in the points table. The stage was set for a high-stakes semifinal clash against Mumbai City FC, a formidable opponent. In the first leg at home, FC Goa held a commanding lead until the 90th minute, seemingly on the cusp of victory. However, what followed was a stunning twist of fate—Mumbai orchestrated an unprecedented comeback, netting three goals in stoppage time to snatch the win.

The psychological blow of that collapse was too heavy for Goa to overcome. When the second leg unfolded, the Gaurs struggled to reduce the deficit, their spirit seemingly broken. Mumbai City FC capitalized on this, sealing their place in the final and denying FC Goa a shot at the elusive ISL trophy. Despite the pain of this latest setback, the season reflected a promising rebuild under Márquez, offering a glimmer of hope for future campaigns.

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