PANAJI: Indian club FC Goa are set for a high-stakes AFC Champions League Two Group D encounter against Saudi giants Al Nassr in Riyadh tomorrow, with attention focused on whether Cristiano Ronaldo will feature after missing the previous leg.
Buoyed by strong domestic form, the Gaurs head into the tie after impressive Super Cup 2025 wins over Jamshedpur FC (2–0) and Inter Kashi (3–0), results that booked them a semi-final spot and boosted team confidence.
Head coach Manolo Marquez sees the fixture as a chance to carry that momentum onto the continental stage. “It’s an honour to play these games, not just for FC Goa but for Indian football. We’re here to compete and try to win,” he said.
While results in the group stage haven’t fully reflected their performances, FC Goa will draw confidence from their historic first-ever goal in the competition against Al Nassr earlier this season.
Their opponents, meanwhile, are looking to recover after a King’s Cup exit to Al Ittihad and a narrow league win over Al Fayha. Despite the blip, Al Nassr remains formidable, packed with world-class talent.
As the two sides meet under the lights at Al Awwal Park, FC Goa will aim to convert belief into results and take another bold step for Indian football on the continental stage.
