Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr has been drawn in Group D of the AFC Champions League Two, alongside India’s FC Goa, Iraq’s Al-Zawraa and FC Istiklol from Tajikistan.
For the first time ever in CR7’s career, he could travel to India to take on opposition from the country. The team he could play is FC Goa. This would be a monumental moment in the five-time Ballon d’Or winners’ career as he could tick off another country he has played in.
However, due to travel conditions in his contract, there is a chance that Ronaldo will be absent from the game. Per reports, Al-Nassr’s number seven can opt in and out of certain away matches in the tournament.
Image: Wikipedia
In Europe, the former Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus and Sporting CP attacker lifted the UEFA Champions League on five separate occasions, but since he moved to Asia, he has not lifted the AFC Champions League.
This campaign, the Saudi Arabian outfit will look to lift the competition for the first time in their history, in the second season of the tournament. United Arab Emirates’ Al Sharjah lifted the trophy in the competition’s debut season, with them winning 2-1 versus Singapore’s Lion City.
Saudi Pro League teams Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal will compete in the AFC Champions League, which is a competition higher than what Ronaldo’s side will play in. Ahead of the competition kicking off, last season’s Saudi Pro League third-place finishers are the firm favourites to win the trophy.
The draw will bring excitement to FC Goa and India, as the opportunity to witness one of the greatest footballers of all-time is now on the cards.
The Gaurs finished second in the Indian Super League, eight points behind champions Mohun Bagan. The runners-up took on Al-Seeb in a play-off game to see who qualifies for the final tournament which starts in a month’s time. FC Goa won the tie 2-1 at their home ground, the Fatorda Stadium.
