Debutants FC Goa could have one other likelihood to make an impression towards fancied Persepolis FC once 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 towards 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 per week has led to some gamers being drained and FC Goa head coach Juan Ferrando has stated some contemporary legs will begin on Friday.
Bedia, who scored the primary aim for any Indian workforce 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 match-day so that we can participate with the best possible condition,” stated 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 in regards to the health points being confronted by his aspect, Ferrando stated, “Edu Bedia is a big doubt tomorrow. He suffered a knock from the (previous) 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.
“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.”
Persepolis, nevertheless, will likely be assured of a fourth consecutive win because the Iran Pro League champions have regarded the entire bundle to this point.
They started their marketing campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory towards Al Wahda and confirmed their combating spirit to come from a aim 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,” stated Golmohammadi.
“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.
“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 towards FC Goa will take Persepolis nearer to a Round of 16 berth. The high workforce from every of the 5 teams and three greatest runners-up sides advance to the Round of 16 knockouts.
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