With Benfica taking it easy, Jorge Jesus grins as Goa face Al Nassr | OneFootball

Al Nassr continues its victorious streak in the Asian Champions League after defeating Goa FC 2-1. Against a theoretically more accessible opponent, Jorge Jesus chose to field a more alternative team, leaving out some names like Cristiano Ronaldo and former Benfica player João Félix.

However, it is worth noting that the Saudi coach kept the former Eagles forward on the bench, introducing the player during the second half when Al Nassr was already leading by two goals to one. As for the national team captain, he was left out of the match sheet.

Al Nassr started the match stronger and took control of the game early on. Just 10 minutes into the game, Àngelo Gabriel opened the scoring for the Saudis. However, the tally did not stop there, and 17 minutes later, at the 27th minute, Haroune Camara doubled the lead.

Before halftime, much to Jorge Jesus's dismay, the home team managed to react and reduced the deficit on the scoreboard through Brison Fernandes in the 41st minute. With João Félix and Sadio Mané on the field, the score did not change until the final whistle.

It should be noted that on the day before the match, Tuesday, October 21, Jorge Jesus made a point of clarifying Cristiano Ronaldo's absence. According to the former Benfica coach, the national team captain, for the sake of physical management, will be left out of Al Nassr's commitments outside Saudi Arabia.

With this result, Al Nassr remains unbeaten in the current edition of the Champions League. After three rounds, Jorge Jesus's Saudis lead Group D with nine points. Meanwhile, Goa FC, last night's defeated team, is in the last position without scoring any points.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.