Goa : FC Goa are keen to do all rights from previous games as they get ready to take on Al Rayyan for the second time in the AFC Champions League.
In the last game The Gaurs were beaten 4-0 by Persepolis FC in their last encounter, but did manage to pick up a 0-0 draw against their next opponents Al Rayyan when the two sides last met. Let’s see how the two sides match up as they prepare to do battle on Monday night.
Al Rayyan
Al Rayyan are at the rock bottom of Group E following three defeats and a draw in their four AFC Champions League matches thus far. Much was expected from the side coached by France legend and World Cup-winning defender Laurent Blanc, but so far, they have not lived up to it.
Despite the disappointment however, the Frenchman believes his side can beat FC Goa this time around. “Yes it’s true we are out of the competition but we’re still not finished here,” said Blanc ahead of the game.
“We will be motivated to perform our best against FC Goa tomorrow, not only for this club but also for Qatar.”
Blanc also complimented Goa’s defensive prowess in the tournament so far, while admitting his side haven’t been at their best yet.
“We need to win and although we have not performed up to expectations. We will strive to get the result. It will be a difficult game against FC Goa because they are very organised.”
In players such as Yacine Brahimi, Yohan Boli and Shojae Khalilzadeh, the Qatari giants definitely have the firepower to do damage, but need these big names to would have to start firing if they are to take home some pride from their Champions League journey.
FC Goa
For FC Goa, a promising start to the Champions League was hit by a combination of suspensions, injuries and back to back defeats. Following two draws to start off, two defeats came against Persepolis FC, but there is still hope that the hosts will be able to end their ACL journey on a high.
“Over 20 days, we have injuries and there is fatigue but it’s very important to have a plan and do our best in the next two games,” said Head Coach Juan Ferrando in the build up to the game.
Naveen Kumar’s inclusion in the previous game against Persepolis raised eyebrows, but Coach Ferrando admitted that he will make changes if plans are not working.
“Starting with (goalkeeper) Naveen Kumar against Persepolis was purely tactical. We have our own plans and if it’s not working, we will make the changes.
“It is important to review the previous match in an effort to improve ourselves. It is not like we are stuck at a level and feel we can’t perform. On the contrary, we are making changes to tactics to improve.”
While discussing the challenge of Al Rayyan, Ferrando also highlighted that this could be an even tougher game.
“Al Rayyan know this is an important match for both teams. They will have some new players on the field but for sure it will be a different match. We will work hard to get a positive result.”
Despite the numerous changes from their last game, the Men in Orange could welcome back to the starting lineup captain Edu Bedia from suspension but only if he is passed fit, while players such as Brandon Fernandes, Glan Martins, Dheeraj Singh and Jorge Ortiz are all expected to return after a rest in the previous match.
Both teams in need of a win
This may end up being one of the most exciting games of Group E from a fan’s perspective since both sides need a win to really keep their campaign going.
