FC Goa lost 0-4 to Persepolis FC on a disappointing night at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Fatorda for the Gaurs.

A new look FC Goa side took to the pitch with eight changes in personnel made by Head Coach Juan Ferrando a day after he suggested changes could be on the way due to fatigue of playing 6 games in the space on around 20 days.

Ishan Pandita and Devendra Murgaokar led the line for the Gaurs, while Naveen Kumar replaced the in-form Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem in goal. There were also starts for Redeem Tlang, Amarjit Singh, Princeton Rebello, Leander D’Cunha and Alexander Romario Jesuraj.  

After twenty four minutes of sparring and Goa holding their ground, Persepolis finally gained the advantage as a slide-rule pass played into the path of Shahriyar Moghanlu, who decided to shoot first time. The left footed effort was hit straight at the goalkeeper, but Naveen failed to get down low in a hurry, giving the Iranians the lead..

Goa’s stern resistance was broken, and they offered only one real effort on goal in the first half, coming from Alexander Romario around ten minutes after they conceded the opener.

The Goan nerves at the back showed again in the 43rd minute as Naveen fumbled a cross into the box and before miscommunication resulted in him fouling Issa Alekasir in the penalty area and in the process, conceding a spot kick.

The penalty was converted by Mehdi Torabi – his second from the spot in as many games against the Gaurs.

There was hope that the second half would bring some joy for the Men in Orange but that optimism disappeared quickly as Alekasir cut inside from the left and fired a shot past Naveen from inside the penalty area to make it 3-0 within two minutes of the restart.

Juan Ferrando decided to look to his bench for some impetus, but that decision came with troubles of its own.

Mohamed Ali came on for his first piece of action, and off his first touch, handed Persepolis a fourth as he failed to clear inside his own penalty area, and Kamal Kamyabinia was on hand to smash home in the 58th minute and pile on the misery for the hosts.

Naveen Kumar did make a couple of decent stops as the half went on, but the Iranian giants continued the pressure as they hit the post via a header from Mehdi Mehdikhani in the 73rd minute and enjoyed the luxury of replacing several of their top players to keep them fresh for future matches.

In terms of positives, Makan Chothe looked lively as he got some minutes under his belt, and Jorge Ortiz managed a shot on target deep into stoppage time, but Persepolis dominated throughout and saw the game out to take home three points for the fourth game running in the AFC Champions League.

FC Goa will hope for a better performance as they get ready to take on Al Rayyan on Monday, 26th April. That game is slated for a 10:30 PM kick off.

CREDITS: FC GOA MEDIA

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Also Read: FC Goa show they belong here in their AFC Champions League debut

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FC Goa face familiar opposition on Friday as they take on reigning AFC  Champions League West Zone champions, Persepolis FC for the second game in a row in their Group E clash. .

The Gaurs have been defiant thus far, drawing twice and narrowly losing out 1-2 to Friday’s opponents, which gives them a bit of hope heading into this crucial clash.

As the game inches closer, let’s take a look at how the two teams compare on this occasion, and where they stand in Group E.

FC Goa

The Men in Orange got off to the perfect start against Persepolis last time out, with captain Edu Bedia scoring early on, but that joy soon was short-lived as the Iranian champions fought back and scored twice within the first half an hour of the game.

However, the Gaurs did not concede again in the game, which certainly would give them much confidence as they step onto the pitch once more on Friday against the group leaders.

Head Coach Juan Ferrando has time and again stressed on the need for fitness as the games come thick and fast. And that is likely to play a big part in deciding the fortunes in this game.

“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,” said Coach Ferrando. “We need proper preparation after each matchday so that we can participate with the best possible condition.”

Juan Ferrando also revealed that Goa’s goalscorer from the previous game and captain Edu Bedia could be carrying an injury.

“Edu Bedia – our captain – is a big doubt tomorrow. He suffered a knock from the match. It’s nothing serious but we will find out soon. The physio and therapist are working hard to nurse him back to match fitness.”

As it is, the Spaniard will have to miss the game due to suspension after picking up his second yellow card of the group stages of the tournament in the last game. In his absence, the Coach may be forced to consider changing his shape and formation to combat the attacking threat of Persepolis FC, but will be glad to welcome back Alexander Romario Jesuraj from suspension.

Goa currently sit third in the Group E standings behind Persepolis and Al Wahda with two points from three games.

Persepolis FC

It has been the perfect start to life in the AFC Champions League 2021 for Persepolis, just as many had predicted.

Easily the favourites to progress, the team from Iran has a perfect record so far, playing three and winning three, grabbing nine points from a possible nine.

That puts them top of the Group E standings and well on course to top the group with a few games to spare.

Despite a 2-1 win over FC Goa last time out, Persepolis Head Coach Yahya Golmohammadi continues to be appreciative of the Gaurs’ effort and is taking nothing for granted.

“Before our game against Goa, everyone thought they were a weak side. But they’re not. They have shown good quality and are playing very well, coherently, with high intensity and with heart,” he said.

“We will try to focus well on defending free-kicks so that it is not seen as a weakness for Persepolis. The two goals we conceded from set-pieces were very rare and the fact that they happened twice may be a cause for concern. However, we need to address this issue with more practice and will remain focused.”

A fourth win for Persepolis in Group E could make qualification for the Round of 16 of the Champions League a mere formality.

Gaurs look to kick on in second half of competition

The AFC Champions League has introduced the Gaurs to a whole new level of competition where every moment and touch makes a difference. And for the most part, the Gaurs have risen to occasion to meet the challenge head on.

After a spirited display in the first half of the group stage, Juan Ferrando would look towards his men to learn their lessons and kick on from the gritty performances.

It’s take two between FC Goa and Persepolis FC and you can catch all the action live at 10:30 PM on Friday, 23 April 2021.

CREDITS: FC GOA MEDIA

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Also Read: FC Goa show they belong here in their AFC Champions League debut

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The Gaurs made a couple of changes to their starting eleven for this game, with Saviour Gama and Adil Khan getting the nod.

In an all-action start to the game, FC Goa came off the blocks the quickest, scoring in the 13th minute as Edu Bedia, who had earlier earned the free-kick, outfoxed the Persepolis defence with a smart run and headed-finish to put the Gaurs in the lead.

A couple of minutes later, it could have been 2-0 to the Gaurs with Edu Bedia and Brandon Fernandes again combining delightfully to open up the opposition defence. Brandon, though, was denied his time under the spotlight as Hamed Lak pulled off an incredible save from close range to keep his side in the game.

The Iranian made Goa pay for not making the most of the opportunity as they hit back to draw level in the 16th minute after James Donachie was deemed to have committed a foul in the penalty box. Mehdi Torabi stepped up to the plate for Persepolis to slot it home for his side.

Playing in their home red, Persepolis turned up the pressure on the Goa defence following their equaliser. That pressure finally bore fruit in the 24th minute of the game as Seyed Jalal Hosseini’s header put the designated home side in front.

The side from Iran threatened with their sharp movement and passes as they nearly doubled their lead in the 39th minute. The in-form Dheeraj Singh would, however, thwart Vahid Amiri’s strike after Persepolis had sieved through the Goan defence one more time.

Dheeraj would again come up trumps for the Gaurs a few minutes later, this time, saving Hossein Kanani’s strike from the spot which was low, hard and straight down the middle.

The second half saw Persepolis create a number of chances yet again, but were thwarted on each occasion thanks to some excellent rear-guard action from the FC Goa defence.

The Gaurs, on their end, were able to conjure up some promising spells where Juan Ferrando’s men entrusted their passing and movement to find spaces as they searched for an equaliser. They, though, had to settle for only one shot on target in the second forty-five as their first loss of the campaign finally became an eventuality.

FC Goa would, though, take much heart from their spirited display before taking on the same opponents in three days time. Juan Ferrando’s men currently stand third in the group after Al Wahda completed a come-from-behind win to defeat Al-Rayyan.

CREDITS: FC GOA MEDIA

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Also Read: Football is my life and I can sacrifice anything for this beautiful game- Bryce Miranda

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Goa, April 19, 2021: FC Goa will take on Persepolis FC in their third AFC Champions League encounter on Tuesday night, looking to build on their momentum after securing a draw in each of their two games in the competition.

Ahead of this titanic clash, let’s take a look at how the two teams compare, and who could be the men capable of making a difference.

A new-look, defiant FC Goa

If there is one word to define FC Goa’s AFC Champions League campaign so far it is defiant. Nobody really gave the Gaurs much of a chance to make a mark at the continental stage heading into this tournament, but the results have proved otherwise.

Two straight goalless draws have left the Men in Orange in second place in their group as they have well and truly set the cat amongst the pigeons.

Goa are the only team yet to concede a goal out of the four teams in Group E, but know that they will need to start looking promising in attack if they are to get any further in the continental tournament.

“It is important to score goals,” said FC Goa Head Coach Juan Ferrando ahead of the game against Persepolis.

“But at the same time it is difficult. We are going to face a very tough team in Persepolis. We are taking things one step and one game at a time.

“Every game we’ve played in the AFC Champions League is important. For now, the most important game for me is tomorrow against Persepolis.

“The only way for us to improve as FC Goa is to play in this competition and face these tough opponents like Persepolis, Al Wahda and Al Rayyan. The exposure we get will help us develop further and Indian football as well.”

Devendra Murgaonkar impressed off the bench for the Gaurs against Al Wahda, while Glan Martins, James Donachie and Dheeraj Singh were all equally impressive, making them a very hard team to beat.

Juan Ferrando, though, will be missing the services of the hard-working Alexander Romario Jesuraj after the winger picked up a booking in each of his last two games.

Persepolis looks to carry on their merry run

FC Goa take on Iranian side Persepolis FC, who are no strangers to life in the AFC Champions League. The side finished runners up in the 2018 and 2020 editions of the Champions League, and are already setting the pace in Group E as well.

Persepolis have won two games out of two, and easily look like the strongest outfit in a group that was considered one of the toughest when the draw was prepared. The defending Iran Pro League champions were 1-0 victors in their first game against Al Wahda, and came from behind to defeat Al Rayyan 3-1 in their second outing, grabbing six points out of a possible six.

Persepolis are also unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions, and also boast of the best offensive record in Group E thus far, scoring four times and conceding just once.

Shahriar Moghanlou scored twice in the game against Al Rayyan, while Seyed Jalal Hosseini has been solid at the back for Persepolis, even scoring against Al Wahda in the team’s first Group E match. These two are just a couple out of some very dangerous players in the Iranian Champions’ rich squad.

Clash of the titans

This is a big game in many ways. Iran and India both have populations that live for sport, and a competitive fire has been brewing between both sides ever since it was confirmed that FC Goa would be India’s first representatives in the Champions League.

The tightest defence meets the highest scoring side in Group E, and this promises to be a contest worth waiting for.

Make sure you catch all the action as these titans collide live at 10:30 PM on Tuesday, April 20.

CREDITS: FC GOA MEDIA

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Also Read: Football is my life and I can sacrifice anything for this beautiful game- Bryce Miranda

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