FC Goa return to home turf for their third fixture of the Indian Super League 2025–26 season on Thursday, February 26, as they host league debutants Sporting Club Delhi at the Fatorda Stadium. With the Gaurs eager to build early momentum and make home advantage count, the encounter presents another important opportunity to climb the table in the opening phase of the campaign.
The Gaurs have shown encouraging signs in their first two outings, picking up four points from a possible six to begin the season on a positive note. Head Coach Manolo Marquez’s side have demonstrated resilience and attacking promise, and will now look to translate that growing cohesion into another strong performance in front of the home faithful.
Beyond the action on the pitch, the evening will also carry special significance as FC Goa celebrate Women’s Day early at the Fatorda.
In a gesture aimed at honouring and encouraging greater participation in the sport, the club is offering free entry for all women and girls in the East, West and South stands, alongside various activities planned around the stadium.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Head Coach Manolo Marquez said, in a message to the fans: ”We would love to see more people in the stands. Even though I’m not Indian, I feel that if I were Indian and saw so many Indian players representing my team, I would believe they truly deserve a bigger crowd for the job they’re doing. They deserve more people in the stands. There is a strong connection between the team and its supporters.”
Back under the Fatorda lights, FC Goa will aim to assert control, improve efficiency in key moments, and maintain defensive solidity as they continue to fine-tune combinations across the pitch. A victory on home soil would further strengthen confidence within the squad, with a win propelling the team back into the mix with the sides at the top of the table.
Midfielder Ayush Dev Chhetri also shared his thoughts ahead of the home clash:
“This season, we have to take it game by game. I’ve improved and learned a lot over the last four years, playing under Peña and Manolo, and competing in tournaments like the ACL 2 and the Super Cup. We were very happy with the three points in Kolkata, and we’ll give it our all to secure the next three points at home”.
Sporting Club Delhi, meanwhile, arrive in Goa determined to make their mark in their debut ISL campaign. The visitors will be keen to challenge one of the league’s established sides and secure valuable points on the road as they adapt to the demands of top-flight football.The club showed promising signs as they missed an equalizer opportunity in the opening game against Bengaluru and also got their first goal in the ISL against East Bengal FC and will like to build on that in their 3rd game against FCG.
