FC Goa defeated by Al-Nassr in must-win AFC Champions League 2 clash

Saudi Arabian giants Al-Nassr have handed FC Goa a 2-1 defeat in the third Group A fixture of the AFC Champions League Two at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Margao on Wednesday.

Even with the absence of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, the Saudi club started dominating from the word go, scoring in the 10th and 27th minutes through Angelo Gabriel and Haroune Camara, respectively. For Goa, substitute Brison Fernandes came off the bench and reduced the margin with his 41st-minute strike.

In the 10th minute of the game, the 20-year-old Gabriel got the ball outside the box and unleashed a right-footed shot that rattled the Goa net to give Al-Nassr an early lead. This was the young Brazilian's second AFC CL2 goal.

Al-Nassr doubled the lead when Camara scored beautifully off a cross from the left by Ayman, his attempt going past a crowded Goa backline after a dominant display by his team, which enjoyed higher ball possession.

Just before the halftime break, Brison pulled one back for the Gaurs, receiving a well-timed through ball from Borja Fernandez. Brison made a clever run into the box, evading his marker, and then struck with his right foot, sending the ball past the Al Nassr goalkeeper.

Goa tried for an equaliser after the half-time but Al-Nassr kept their cool. Goa's hopes were dampened when David Timor was shown a straight red card for a foul in the 90th minute, leaving the outcome of the match in favour of the Saudi club. 

Al-Nassr have maintained a perfect record till now, and are at the top of Group D with eight points. Prior to facing FC Goa, they cruised to a 5-0 win against FC Istiklol in their opening match, before eking out a 2-0 victory against Al Zawraa SC.

FC Goa, on the other hand, have endured a difficult campaign and is at the bottom of the table currently. The Gaurs began their campaign with a 2–0 defeat to Al Zawraa SC before going down by the same margin against Istiklol.