Image Credit: FC Goa
Fatorda (Goa) [India], October 21, 2025: Continental action returns to Fatorda as FC Goa prepare to face Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr in their third group stage fixture of the AFC Champions League Two. The Gaurs enter the clash seeking their first points of the campaign, while the Riyadh-based heavyweights arrive with momentum and confidence after two strong outings in Group A.
It has been a challenging start for Manolo Marquez’s men, who have shown moments of promise but fallen short in execution. FC Goa began their ACL2 campaign with a 2–0 defeat to Al Zawraa SC in the group opener at home, where early missed chances proved costly.
Their second outing, away to FC Istiklol in Dushanbe, followed a similar pattern — disciplined for long stretches but undone by lapses in key moments as they again went down 2–0. With back-to-back defeats, the Gaurs now face their toughest assignment yet against one of Asia’s most high-profile clubs.
Marquez is expected to once again lean on his experienced core David Timor providing control in midfield, Pol Moreno anchoring the backline, and Javi Siverio offering movement and presence up front. Dejan Drazic and Udanta Singh add creativity and pace in wide areas, tasked with stretching Al Nassr’s defense and sparking transitions.
Goa’s focus will be on compact defensive organization, quick outlets on the break, and making the most of set-piece situations all vital if they are to contain and counter a technically superior opponent.
Their visitors, Al Nassr, have made a strong start to their own ACL2 journey under Portuguese head coach Jorge Jesus. The Saudi club opened their campaign with a statement 5–0 victory over FC Istiklol, followed by a hard-fought 2–0 win against Al Zawraa SC, placing them firmly in control of the group standings. Building on their semifinal finish in last season’s AFC Champions League, Al Nassr continue to showcase the depth, experience, and quality that define one of Asia’s elite teams.
At the heart of their setup is Angelo Gabriel, dictating tempo and transitions from deep. Ahead of him, Sadio Mané provides flair and unpredictability between the lines, while João Félix brings sharp movement and a constant goal threat in the final third.
In defense, Iñigo Martínez adds calmness and leadership, organizing a backline built for both strength and possession play. Their mix of tactical balance and individual brilliance makes them a daunting opponent for any side.
Key duels will define the evening Timor’s composure against Gabriels’s orchestration, Moreno’s leadership in handling Félix’s movement, and Drazic’s creativity against Martínez’s structured backline. Goa’s ability to stay compact and disciplined while exploiting transition moments will be crucial if they are to make inroads.
For Al Nassr, this fixture is about maintaining dominance and extending their unbeaten run in the group. For FC Goa, it is about resilience, pride, and the belief that they can compete with Asia’s best. Under the lights at Fatorda, backed by their passionate supporters, the Gaurs will look to summon spirit and precision to make a statement on the continental stage and keep their campaign alive.
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