FC Goa v Al-Nassr – Line-ups, stats and preview
The Saudi side travel to India this week in the AFC Champions League
FC Goa face a huge challenge on Wednesday as they welcome Saudi Arabian giants Al-Nassr to the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda for their third AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 Group D encounter.
After back-to-back defeats to Al Zawraa SC of Iraq and FC Istiklol of Tajikistan, the Indian outfit find themselves bottom of the table and in desperate need of a positive result.
By contrast, Al-Nassr arrive in Goa sitting comfortably at the top of the group, having won both of their opening fixtures.
The match marks a significant occasion for Indian football, with the Saudi Pro League heavyweights visiting Indian soil for the first time in this competition.
Cristiano Ronaldo has not travelled with the team to India, but Al-Nassr’s squad remains packed with international stars capable of turning the game on its head.
Portuguese forward Joao Felix is expected to spearhead the attack after his recent hat-trick against Al Fateh, supported by Senegalese veteran Sadio Mane and French winger Kingsley Coman.
At the back, former Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez should provide defensive stability alongside Aymeric Laporte.
FC Goa, meanwhile, will rely on a spirited home performance to make life difficult for their illustrious visitors.
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Team news for FC Goa v Al-Nassr
FC Goa have no major injury concerns ahead of the clash, but changes could be made to inject energy into the side. Noah Sadaoui and Brandon Fernandes are expected to retain their starting spots, while winger Carlos Martinez could come into the lineup to provide extra attacking thrust.
For Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s absence has been confirmed as the 40-year-old superstar continues to manage his workload.
However, the visitors’ attacking strength remains formidable, with Joao Felix, Mane, and Coman all in contention to start. Luiz Gustavo and Marcelo Brozovic should anchor the midfield, while goalkeeper David Ospina is set to start between the posts.
Expected line-ups for FC Goa v Al-Nassr
FC Goa: Dheeraj Singh; Seriton Fernandes, Sandesh Jhingan, Odei Onaindia, Jay Gupta; Brandon Fernandes, Carl McHugh, Raynier Fernandes; Noah Sadaoui, Carlos Martinez, Victor Rodriguez
Al-Nassr: Ospina; Sultan Al-Ghannam, Aymeric Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Alex Telles; Brozovic, Luiz Gustavo; Coman, Joao Felix, Sadio Mane; Talisca
How to watch FC Goa v Al-Nassr: TV channel, online streams
The AFC Champions League Two clash between FC Goa and Al-Nassr will be broadcast live on Sports18 and streamed online via JioCinema in India. International viewers can follow live updates through the official AFC website and select regional broadcasters. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM IST on Wednesday.
The stats for FC Goa v Al-Nassr
- FC Goa have yet to earn a point in Group D, losing both of their first two matches
- Al-Nassr have scored six goals and conceded just one in their opening two group games
- The Saudi club are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions
- FC Goa have kept only one clean sheet in their last seven outings in all tournaments
- This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between FC Goa and Al-Nassr
Prediction
FC Goa will be lifted by a passionate home crowd, but the gulf in experience and quality is difficult to overlook. Al-Nassr’s depth in attack and control in midfield should see them dominate possession and create plenty of chances, even without Ronaldo.
Prediction: FC Goa 0-3 Al-Nassr