“Once-in-a-Lifetime”: FC Goa CEO on Facing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr

Overview

• FC Goa and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr are in the same group for the upcoming AFC Champions League Two season.
• In Group D, the other two teams are Tajikistan’s Istiklol and Iraq’s Al-Zawraa.
• Supporters of FC Goa and Ronaldo in India are now hoping to see the Portuguese superstar play in the country.

FC Goa have been drawn in the same group as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr for the upcoming AFC Champions League Two season.

In Group D, alongside India’s FC Goa and Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, the other two teams are Tajikistan’s Istiklol and Iraq’s Al-Zawraa. The draw has sparked excitement among fans, as supporters of FC Goa and Ronaldo in India are now hoping to see the Portuguese superstar play in the country during the group stage.

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Speaking to The Associated Press, FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur called it a landmark moment for the club. "This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment for FC Goa. To host Al Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the biggest game in Indian club football history," he said.

Puskur also underlined the importance of the occasion for Indian football. "For Indian football, this is historic. We are here on merit, and a match like this gives us the chance to show that we can compete on the continental stage, becoming part of the sport's biggest narratives," he added.

"It's a unique opportunity to bring global attention to Indian football" - FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur

Beyond the result, Puskur believes the tie could have a lasting impact by attracting global attention to the game in India. "It's a unique opportunity to bring global attention to Indian football and, most importantly, a chance to spark a greater interest in Indian football among fans across the country, giving the game the spotlight it has long needed," he said.

For now, it remains uncertain whether Ronaldo will actually travel to India for the away fixture. Reports suggest there could be a clause in his latest Al Nassr contract allowing him to skip certain away matches in the competition.

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FC Goa’s group stage schedule

Match 1: vs Al Zawraa, 17th September (Home)

Match 2: vs FC Istiklol, 1st October (Away)

Match 3: vs Al Nassr, 22nd October (Home)

Match 4: vs Al Nassr, 5th November (Away)

Match 5: vs Al Zawraa, 26th November (Away)

Match 6: vs FC Istiklol, 24th December (Home)