Mumbai City FC vs FC Goa: Three key battles that can decide ISL semi-final second leg

The second leg is set to be fiery judging by how the ISL first leg ended.

A wave of excitement was felt across Indian football when FC Goa and Mumbai City FC were drawn against each other in the 2023-24 Indian Super League playoff semi-final. The first leg between these two local rivals did not disappoint as the Islanders left the Gaurs shell-shocked by scoring three goals in injury time to record an impressive 3-2 win away from home.

The second leg is left to play and both teams would like to build on their performances from the first leg. There are players on either side who possess the impression to make a huge impact on the game single-handedly. Manolo Marquez and Petr Kratky would be hoping that their star players can turn up once again and guide them to the final of the ISL 2023-24.

As the second leg at the Mumbai Football Arena approaches, here is a look at three key battles that will be crucial in deciding the winner between Mumbai City FC and FC Goa on Monday.

Lallianzuala Chhangte vs Jay Gupta

Lallianzuala Chhangte punished FC Goa in the injury time of the first leg with a sensational brace. He scored the first goal for Mumbai City FC and the winning goal eventually to give his side an advantage going into the reverse fixture. 

Just when Jay Gupta thought he had won the duel, Chhangte turned up with two goals taking his season’s tally to nine goals for the season. Eyes will be on both these individuals as they prepare to fight for their respective clubs.

Vikram Partap Singh vs Seriton Fernandes

Vikram Partap Singh is one of those tenacious figures who does not give an inch to his opponents. Seriton Fernandes kept a close watch on him in the first leg but failed to mark him at one instance which led to the equalizer on the rebound.

Both players will go head-to-head once again when the sides meet at the Mumbai Football Arena. Seriton Fernandes must produce a seamless performance to deny Singh any scoring opportunities if the Gaurs hope to come away with a win.

Yoell van Nieff vs Brandon Fernandes

The battle of the midfield played a crucial part in the game. Brandon Fernandes, the skipper of the Gaurs, performed exceptionally and scored a beautiful goal to give his team a two-goal lead in the game. He is in a rich vein of form and can be extremely dangerous if afforded time and space.

That is where Yoell van Nieff must do a better job in the second leg. He was caught out of position which led to the second goal. For the sake of his team, he cannot allow the same to happen again. The midfielder must stick to Fernandes like a shadow during the phases where Mumbai City will defend. 

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