ISL Semifinals: Mumbai City vs Goa- 3 Key battles as Sergio Lobera eyes away goals over Jorge Costa's side

#2 Paulo Machado vs. Ahmed Jahouh

Paulo Machado is an instrumental figure in the Mumbai City FC attack (Image Courtesy: ISL)

As mentioned before, FC Goa likes to go all-out on the attack, leaving behind only the center-backs and defensive midfielders. This makes the Gaurs susceptible to counter-attack and, Mumbai City FC has scored a staggering 11 goals by deploying that tactic.

It is the responsibility of the attacking midfielders of a team to ensure the counter succeeds whereas the opposition's defensive midfielder's job is to thwart the attack. And, for Mumbai City FC and FC Goa, Paulo Machado and Ahmed Jahouh will don those roles for their respective clubs.

The UEFA Champions League player, Paulo Machado, has started all the games for the Islanders and even has 2 goals and 4 assists to his name. Further statistics like 31 shots, 39 crosses, 1001 touches, and 821 passes only bolsters his résumé.

On the other hand, Ahmed Jahouh has been the best defensive midfielder in the league stages of the game.

The 30-year-old has a total of 102 tackles, 31 interceptions, 33 clearances, and 36 blocks to his name. However, the Moroccan has committed a staggering 31 fouls too.