Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) outfit FC Goa continued their unbeaten start in the AFC Champions League 2021 after holding Al Wahda to a 0-0 draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Saturday night. It was another solid defensive display from the Gaurs as they moved to the second spot in Group E (West Region) above Al Rayyan SC and Al Wahda.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, FC Goa head coach Juan Ferrando was happy with the attacking intent that his team showed against their UAE-based opponents. “We were playing against a very good team. All the teams in the [AFC] Champions League are the best in Asia. I'm happy to get some points in attack. We were better in the positional attack... the [FC Goa] squad wants to win, they have ambition, but we need to improve with a new target on our mind,” the Spaniard said.

Ferrando though was not surprised by his side's performance on Saturday, especially against stronger opposition, and hopes that the Gaurs can produce something similar in their next match against current group leaders Persepolis FC. “It's not surprising because I know my squad wants to improve every day. It's a pleasure for me to work with this coaching staff, these players. We are happy but don't forget, in two days we have to play against Persepolis. In the end, we have to control our emotions. It's necessary to repeat some details and change the plan for Persepolis. We have to continue in the same way because it's a very difficult competition,” he said.

Dheeraj Singh made many crucial saves against Al Wahda, including an injury-time block to deny Omar Khribin and Ferrando likened the young Indian goalkeeper to ‘Superman’. “Al Wahda had 2-3 very good chances, especially in the last minute. But Dheeraj was a superman today. There were some chances for us too and I'm happy that our chances were not from set-pieces but from our build-up. We need to improve in the final third, but we need to talk about the balance. The new target is to improve the details,” the Spaniard said.

"The [injury-time] save of Dheeraj was very good. He needs to improve a bit with his passing because our style is to build up from the back. He didn't play much in the Hero Indian Super League and everybody knows he's a good goalkeeper. It's amazing to work with Dheeraj because he's just 20 years old," Ferrando added.