FC Goa slump to fourth straight defeat as Al Nassr dominate in Riyadh

Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr stormed to a 4-0 victory over Indian club FC Goa in their AFC Champions League Two Group D clash at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh on Wednesday night.

Playing without star forward Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr showed their depth and quality as Abdulrahman Ghareeb netted twice before Mohammed Marran and Joao Félix added late goals to seal a convincing win.

Goa’s early fight fades

The visitors started with energy and organisation, matching Al Nassr in the early stages. Coach Manolo Márquez made three changes to the side that lost 2-1 in Goa last month, and his team looked eager to prove a point. Goa held firm for over half an hour before Ghareeb’s brilliant free-kick in the 35th minute broke the deadlock.

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The home side nearly doubled their lead before half-time, but Ali Alhassan fired over from close range. After the break, Ghareeb struck again in the 53rd minute, calmly finishing after a precise through ball from Alhassan.

Goa’s best chance came in the 63rd minute when Dejan Dražić forced a sharp save from Raghid Najjar, but Al Nassr responded almost instantly. Marran flicked home from Nawaf Bu Washl’s cross to make it 3-0, and substitute Joao Félix capped the night with an acrobatic overhead finish from Sadio Mané’s assist in the 84th minute.

Goa remain winless

The defeat leaves FC Goa bottom of the group without a point after four matches, while Al Nassr top the table with four wins from four. Goa’s campaign now turns to Iraq, where they face Al Zawraa SC on November 26, before wrapping up against FC Istiklol at home in December.