FC Goa lose to Real Murcia in pre-season friendly

Indian Super League (ISL) franchise FC Goa suffered a 1-2 defeat against Spanish football club Real Murcia's first team in the second pre-season match here.

FC Goa took the lead through a super free kick from Manuel Lanzarote on Monday. Later, two goals either side of half-time were enough for the Segunda Division B side to come away with a win.

The ISL franchise started the game brightly and attacked with purpose early on. Their persistence was rewarded with a goal not long after kick off. Midfielder Manuel Lanzarote stepped up and curled a beautiful free-kick in to give the Goan side the lead.

However, the lead was short lived as Murcia hit back with a goal of their own through Nadjib. Both sides struggled to break the deadlock thereafter and failed to create enough chances to test either goalkeeper as the referee called a halt to proceedings at half time with the score even.

FC Goa, coach Sergio Lobera made a host of changes in the second half in order to test his bench strength.

Things, however, didn't go the way of the Gaurs as they conceded a soft goal early on in the second period.

In an attempt to bring the score level once more, FC Goa began to attack much more but were unable to find an equalizer.

Simultaneously, Murcia looked to put the game to bed by scoring a third on the counter but they too were not able to get the ball into the back of the net.

FC Goa will take on Real Murcia B in their next pre-season fixture on October 19.

--IANS

sam/dg