Debutants FC Goa may have one other probability to make an impression in opposition to fancied Persepolis FC after they face the Iranian aspect within the second leg Group E league match of the AFC Champions League right here on Friday.
After taking part in out 0-0 attracts in opposition to Al Rayyan of Qatar and Al Wahda of the UAE, FC Goa misplaced to Persepolis 1-2 on Tuesday, and the 2 sides are dealing with one another as soon as once more in three days time.
Captain Edu Bedia gave FC Goa a shock lead within the 14th minute earlier than Persepolis replied with two objectives (18th and twenty fourth) quickly after within the match, dominated by the Iranian aspect, which completed runners-up final season.
Playing three matches in every week has led to some gamers being drained and FC Goa head coach Juan Ferrando has mentioned some recent legs will begin on Friday.
Let’s get right down to work for the return leg! 🙌🏻#RiseAgain #GOAPRS #FCGoaInAsia pic.twitter.com/U3Af5Tfi2t
— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) April 22, 2021
Bedia, who scored the primary purpose for any Indian staff within the prestigious top-tier league, is a uncertain starter for Friday’s match after getting a knock.
“It can be tricky for all the teams to play six games in 20 days but it has not been that big of a problem for us. We need proper preparation after each matchday so that we can participate with the best possible condition,” mentioned Ferrando forward of the match.
“We know the next game will be difficult but this is the AFC Champions League and the expectations are big. I’m happy with the players and they way they have performed although there are some areas we need to improve.”
Talking concerning the health points being confronted by his aspect, Ferrando mentioned, “Edu Bedia is an enormous doubt tomorrow. He suffered a knock from the (earlier) match. It’s nothing severe however we are going to discover out quickly. The physio and therapist are working exhausting to nurse him again to match health.
“We will review the tactics tomorrow against Persepolis. We are going into the match with hope of performing better than we did in our previous game. As head coach, it’s my job to put the best line-up forward.”
“I dedicate my goal to Indian football.” 👏🏻
Edu displays on the significance of the opening purpose, the staff morale, the efficiency to this point, and way more within the post-match interview. 🗣️#RiseAgain #PRSGOA #FCGoaInAsia #ACL2021 pic.twitter.com/bgpUqNztqM
— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) April 22, 2021
Persepolis, nonetheless, will probably be assured of a fourth consecutive win because the Iran Pro League champions have seemed the entire package deal to this point.
They started their marketing campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory in opposition to Al Wahda and confirmed their preventing spirit to come back from a purpose right down to defeat Al Rayyan 3-1 earlier than seeing off FC Goa.
“The results we have achieved so far are due to confidence and good concentration of the players. Many may think that these points were obtained because we are in an easy group, but this is not really the case. Our group is one of the most difficult,” mentioned Golmohammadi.
“Before our recreation in opposition to Goa, everybody thought they have been a weak aspect. But they’re not. They have proven good high quality and are taking part in very effectively, coherently, with excessive depth and with coronary heart.
“We will try to focus on defending free-kicks so that it is not seen as a weakness for Persepolis. The two goals we conceded from set-pieces were rare and the fact that they happened twice may be a cause for concern. However, we need to address this issue.”
A win in opposition to FC Goa will take Persepolis nearer to a Round of 16 berth. The high staff from every of the 5 teams and three greatest runners-up sides advance to the Round of 16 knockouts.