Al Nassr maintained its undefeated streak in the AFC Champions League 2, securing a 2-1 away victory over India’s Goa without star forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who was rested by coach Jorge Jesus.
The Saudi Arabian club advanced in the tournament’s main phase, clinching three points in the third round of Group D. Ronaldo, the Portuguese captain, was absent from the squad due to a technical decision by the coach.
Brazilian Ângelo opened the scoring for Al Nassr in the 10th minute. Haroune Camara added a second goal in the 27th minute. Goa’s substitute Brison Fernandes reduced the deficit just before halftime, scoring in the 45+1 minute.
Coach Jorge Jesus has now led Al Nassr to 10 victories in 11 matches across all competitions. This win keeps Al Nassr firmly at the top of Group D with nine points.
Tajikistan’s Istiklol follows in second place with six points, securing an advancement spot. Iraq’s Al-Zawra’a is third with three points. Goa remains last in the group with zero points.
Spanish player David Timor from Goa was expelled late in the game, in the 90+2 minute. Portuguese forward João Félix entered the match for Al Nassr in the 66th minute.
Beyond Jorge Jesus, four other Portuguese coaches are participating in the AFC Champions League 2. The tournament features 32 clubs across eight groups in the continent’s west and east zones.
In Group A, Nandinho’s Al Muharraq from Bahrain was scheduled to host LuÃs Castro’s Al Wasl from the United Arab Emirates. Ricardo Sá Pinto’s Esteghlal of Iran also hosted Jordan’s Al Wehdat in the same group.
Quim Machado’s Al Hussein from Jordan did not play this week in Group C, following the withdrawal of India’s Mohun Bagan.