ISL 2023-24: Happy to get three points against a very good team: Odisha FC’s Sergio Lobera after win against East Bengal FC

Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera was delighted after bagging all three points with a 2-1 victory against East Bengal FC in the 17th match week of the ongoing Indian Super League at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

Vishnu Puthiya Valappill scored the opening goal for the visitors as early as in the opening minute of the game. However, Odisha FC equalized after Diego Mauricio scored through a penalty before the end of first half.

After the first-half interval, Princeton Rebello gave a 2-1 lead to the home team as he found the back of the net in the 61st minute.

Meanwhile, Odisha FC suffered a 3-2 loss in extra time in the Kalinga Super Cup final against East Bengal FC but Lobera didn’t think of this match as any kind of revenge.

“I don’t want to think about revenge. I think all the teams are playing for something. It’s very important for us today to get three points because, you know, we are in a very crucial part of the season. We are in a very good position, and these three points were essential for us. I am very happy about this game,” stated Lobera in the post-match press conference.

He continued, “Super Cup final was a different competition, a different game. I am very happy with the performance of my team (today) and to get three points against a very good team (East Bengal FC).”

With this win, the Kalinga Warriors stay at the top of the league table, bagging a total of 35 points from their 17 matches, winning 10, drawing five, and losing two matches.

However, Lobera doesn’t consider his team to be the favorites to win the League Shield. “I don’t think so. I think we need to go step-by-step. We are in a very good position. We need to enjoy this moment.”

“We are very excited about this challenge (to win the League Shield),” he added.

Odisha FC will next take on Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai on Sunday.