Sergio Lobera’s Odisha FC have bounced back strongly after a shaky start to their 2023-24 Indian Super League season. Currently sitting third in the table with 15 points from 10 matches, the Juggernauts have regained momentum with a commanding 6-0 victory over Hyderabad FC and a 4-2 triumph against Bengaluru FC. However, their resurgence has been overshadowed by a significant setback, as Roy Krishna has been ruled out for the season due to an ACL injury at a pivotal stage of their campaign.
Odisha has scored in their last 10 home matches in the ISL, and a goal in this game would equal their record of scoring in 11 consecutive home fixtures, which was set between December 2019 and December 2022. On the other hand, Mumbai City is undefeated in their last six encounters with Odisha FC, winning four and drawing two. Their longest unbeaten runs are against FC Goa (13 games) and Chennaiyin FC (9 games).
⚔️ Clash of Titans! Odisha FC takes on Mumbai City FC tonight at the iconic Kalinga Stadium.
Who’s ready for a night of action-packed football? 🔥⚽ #OdishaFC #MumbaiCityFC #IndianFootball #ISL pic.twitter.com/ggZFVBbRz9
— Impression Sports Management (@impressionsport) December 5, 2024
The two sides are now set to do battle in a reverse fixture after the first fixture ended in a 1-1 draw. Ahead of the match, Odisha’s head coach Sergio Lobera spoke at a press conference, comparing his side to Atletico Madrid. Odisha secured a crucial home victory against league leaders Bengaluru FC on Sunday. When questioned about his team’s playing style and their lack of possession, Lobera likened Odisha FC’s approach to that of the Spanish giants.
“Atletico Madrid in Spain have won the league. They know they are not a better team than Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, and they decide on one plan (tactic), sometimes, to be stronger than them. This was one example in the last game. I think we played against a very strong team, and we did our job.”
Lobera concluded by saying, “In this case, we had less possession of the ball. But we were more dangerous than in other games. We need to be ready because finally we are professionals and we need to compete at the highest level. The result is the most important thing.”
Sergio Lobera joined Mumbai City in 2020 and managed the club for several years, during which he led them to victory in both the ISL Shield and the ISL Cup in the 2020-21 season.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
