Al Rayyan head coach Laurent Blanc has praised FC Goa ahead of their meeting in the AFC Champions League group stage. The two teams play each other on the first matchday of the 2021 edition, with the match taking place at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa.
FC Goa and Al Rayyan are joined by the United Arab Emirates’ Al Wahda and Iran’s Persepolis in their group. The four teams will be competing for one guaranteed spot in the knockout stage, along with another possible one.
“I watched the Goa team via video. They are a good team, and there is another point which is the weather that is not good due to the high temperature and humidity in this region, but this thing is not only for Al Rayyan but for all the teams participating.”
the former PSG head coach said.
Asked about the similarities and differences between the UCL and the AFC Champions League, the former Manchester United defender stated:
“For me, they are two tournaments that are different in terms of the level of teams and players, but the AFC Champions League is very difficult and a big and important tournament for us.
“I think playing in Asia, Europe or Africa is linked by one goal, which is that everyone is looking for victory, and I expect that the match between Al Rayyan and Goa will be good.”
The AFC Champions League switched format recently to incorporate more teams in the competition. However, that means fewer second-placed sides will qualify for the next round. As it stands, only six out of ten teams that finish second will make it to the knockout stage, depending upon their points tally. The tournament will continue in normal format after the group stage.
