It is often said that gaping wounds help to conquer. Chennaiyin FC's Stiven Mendoza broke Goan hearts in 2015 when he nudged in an injury time-winner to clinch the Indian Super League (ISL) title at the Fatorda Stadium, the fortress of the Gaurs.
But it was no less than ecstasy for Goa fans when their favourite team romped to victory in Bhubaneswar against the very same opponents, banishing the ghosts of that unfateful December night, albeit in the Super Cup.
Goa were starting to gain a reputation of being big match flops after being ousted in ISL and Super Cup semi-finals last season and their narrow loss to Bengaluru FC in the final of the recently concluded ISL edition only bolstered that vein of criticism.