FC Goa faces a formidable challenge as they host Saudi Arabian giants Al-Nassr in their AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) Group D match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The match kicks off at 7:15 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Al-Nassr, despite missing Cristiano Ronaldo, are heavily favored. Other notable absentees for Al-Nassr include Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic. However, the Saudi Arabian side still boasts a star-studded lineup with players like Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix and former Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez expected to feature. Joao Felix is coming off a hat-trick in the Saudi Pro League.
FC Goa, on the other hand, are looking to open their account in the competition after suffering defeats in their first two Group D fixtures against Al Zawraa SC of Iraq and FC Istiklol from Tajikistan. They are currently at the bottom of Group D. Al-Nassr leads the group with two wins.
Coach Manolo Marquez has called for realism, acknowledging Al-Nassr as favorites to win the whole competition. He emphasized focusing on the fundamentals. "Football is about defending, passing, and transitions," Marquez stated. Sandesh Jhingan will be tasked with leading the FC Goa defense against Al-Nassr's potent attack. Brandon Fernandes and Dejan Drazic will be key for launching counter-attacks, while Javier Siverio will need to capitalize on aerial opportunities.
Al-Nassr has a rich history in Asian Competitions, reaching the Quarter-Finals of the AFC Champions League. In the 2019 AFC Champions League, Al Nassr advanced past the round of sixteen, eventually being defeated in the quarter-finals by Al-Sadd. In 2020, Al Nassr reached the AFC Champions League semi-final for the first time in their history. They have also been participating in the AFC Champions League Elite.
FC Goa made their debut in the AFC Champions League in 2021, becoming the first Indian club to score a goal and keep a clean sheet in the competition. They finished third in Group E.
The match will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website in India. There will be no television broadcast of the match in the country.
