FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez admits that facing Al-Nassr FC is no ordinary game for his side ahead of their third group-stage clash in the AFC Champions League Two.

The Gaurs will host the Saudi giants at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Wednesday in what promises to be a stern test. Having failed to register a point from their opening two fixtures, FC Goa now face the toughest opponent in their group.

FC Goa is also the only team in the group yet to find the back of the net in this year’s competition. Despite the challenge, Marquez believes his players must stay realistic about their chances while embracing the quality and intensity of ACL Two.

“I think we need to be realistic about our chances in the competition,” Marquez told The Times of India in an interview on Sunday.

“If we had lost against Al Seeb, we wouldn’t be speaking about the group stage because we wouldn’t be here. For me, Al Seeb was a very good team, a top side. Now we need to face very strong sides in the group stage (on a regular basis),” he added.

The Gaurs showed great fighting spirit against Al Zawraa in their opening fixture but couldn’t make the most of their chances, leaving the ground empty-handed from a game where they had a realistic opportunity to secure something. The match underlined the high level of competition in the tournament, where taking chances is crucial to getting a result.

“Last season, Istiklol finished with zero points (in the group stage). There were three teams (with zero points). This competition is very tough. But we are here for a reason. We want to win. If we play like we did at home against Al Zawraa, we will make progress,” Marquez opined.

Up next is the biggest game so far, the one every Gaur has been waiting for since the draw in August. Al-Nassr currently sit atop the Saudi Pro League with a perfect record after five matches, scoring 19 goals and conceding just two.

 They have carried that form into the continental competition as well, collecting six points from their first two games with seven goals scored and none conceded. Their performance without Cristiano Ronaldo so far in ACL Two speaks volumes about the firepower and depth of the Saudi side.

Marquez labels Al-Nassr not only as favourites to top Group D but also as strong contenders to win the entire competition. Still, he remains optimistic that his team can once again display the fighting spirit their fans can be proud of.

“Playing against Al-Nassr is not a normal game because the opponents are very strong, clear favourites, not just to become group winners but to emerge champions too. We will enter the field with a good mentality and try to win the game. If not, try to draw. In terms of preparation, we will change a few things, but largely our approach remains the same," he stated.

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