FC Goa Ready for High-Stakes Clash Against Al Nassr in Riyadh

Ray Sportz Web Desk: Indian side FC Goa are set to face Saudi Arabian heavyweights Al Nassr FC in a crucial AFC Champions League Two Group D encounter at the Al Awwal Park in Riyadh on Wednesday night.
Buoyed by their recent domestic form, the Gaurs arrive with growing confidence after a strong Super Cup 2025 campaign — registering a 2–0 win over Jamshedpur FC followed by a 3–0 triumph against Inter Kashi. Head coach Manolo Marquez’s men will now look to carry that momentum onto the continental stage, having shown plenty of promise in earlier group matches despite narrowly missing out on points.
Their opponents, Al Nassr, featuring some of Asia’s biggest football stars, will be keen to respond after a turbulent week in domestic competition. The Riyadh-based giants suffered a King’s Cup exit to Al Ittihad but managed to edge past Al Fayha with a late penalty in their most recent league outing. Despite the mixed results, they remain one of the toughest teams to beat at home.
“This is a historic moment for us and for Indian football,” said Manolo Marquez ahead of the game. “We’ve come here with the intent to win and to make our supporters proud.”
Reflecting on the team’s preparations, he added, “We played practically two weeks ago at home, and now it’s completely different. We’ve had a busy schedule with the Super Cup — five games in just 14 days. So our approach has been step by step, game by game.”
Midfielder Borja Herrera echoed his coach’s sentiments, saying, “We train every day to be ready for every match and to give our best, especially for a big game like this.”
Manolo further emphasized the significance of the occasion: “It will be difficult, even without the three Super Cup games. But it’s a pleasure to play in a stadium like this. If we want to grow — not just as a club, but individually and collectively — these are the experiences we need.”
With rhythm restored and belief running high, FC Goa will aim to script another proud chapter for Indian football under the Riyadh lights — as they take on one of Asia’s most star-studded sides in what promises to be a memorable night.