Defending champs Mumbai City open campaign v FC Goa today

MCFC coach Des Buckingham

Defending champions Mumbai City FC (MCFC) will open their Indian Super League campaign against FC Goa in a high-voltage clash here on Monday.

The two sides have faced each other 18 times, with Mumbai City FC having won five matches, losing seven and drawing six. Both teams have developed a bit of rivalry in the last couple of seasons due to their frequent meetings in the knockout stage. FC Goa, who finished fourth last season, have retained a lot of their core players besides their coach Juan Ferando. They started the pre-season early and also won the Durand Cup.

In contrast, MCFC appointed a new head coach Des Buckingham in place of Sergio Lobera. "We've done as much as we could have done in the time we've had. I think anywhere in the world, you'd like more time with players on and off the field. But, you know, we haven't had that," Buckingham said.

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