Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez has described the upcoming AFC Champions League Two clash against Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al-Nassr FC as “not a normal game,” acknowledging the scale of the challenge his side faces on Wednesday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.
After back-to-back defeats in their opening two group-stage fixtures, the Gaurs now brace for their toughest test yet. They remain the only team in the group yet to score, and Marquez urged his players to stay grounded while embracing the intensity of top-tier Asian football.
“We need to be realistic about our chances in this competition,” Marquez said ahead of the match. “If we hadn’t beaten Al Seeb earlier, we wouldn’t even be here. They were a top side, and now we face even stronger teams on a regular basis in the group stage.”
FC Goa began their campaign with a spirited display against Al Zawraa but failed to convert key chances, leaving the pitch without any points. Marquez believes that experience showed how demanding the tournament is. “This competition is extremely tough. Last season, three teams finished with zero points. But we are here to fight and to win. If we perform like we did at home against Al Zawraa, progress is possible,” he said.
For FC Goa fans, Wednesday’s clash will be the most anticipated fixture of the season. Al-Nassr arrive in Goa in scintillating form, leading the Saudi Pro League with a perfect record after five games, having scored 19 goals and conceded just two. Their continental campaign has been equally dominant, with two wins, seven goals scored, and none conceded so far achieved even without Cristiano Ronaldo.
Marquez acknowledged Al-Nassr’s pedigree, calling them not only the favourites to top Group D but also leading contenders for the championship. Yet, he remains hopeful that Goa can deliver a resilient performance. “Playing Al-Nassr is different. They are favourites to win the group and perhaps the whole tournament. But we will go in with a positive mentality, aim to win, or at least take a point. We’ll make a few tactical changes but our core approach stays the same,” the coach said.
