We won against a team that refused to lose: Jesus

Margao: Everyone expected Al-Nassr to roll over FC Goa and register a big win. After all, this AFC Champions League Two clash between the Saudi Pro League giants and the hosts was an uneven contest.In the end, it didn’t go according to plan as Goa showed plenty of fight in their 2-1 loss against Al-Nassr at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Wednesday.“The objective of the match is done, which is to win and pick up three points,” Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus told reporters after the match. “We won against a team which refused to lose. They have some quick players, but we controlled the match and scored goals. We are leaving with three points.

A lot of our players needed opportunities (with minutes on the field). That was also one of our target.”Al-Nassr scored twice in the first half an hour with goals from Angelo Gabriel and Man-of-the-Match Haroune Camara. Then, closer to the end of the first half, Brison Fernandes gave the home fans something to cheer with a wonderful strike from inside the box.

“We controlled 80% of the match. Goa scored from one opportunity they created,” said Jesus.

Goa coach Manolo Marquez will not dispute but will be encouraged how his side measured up to challenge posed by their famous opponents.“I am really proud of the players, particularly because we did not start well and conceded (the first goal) from a mistake. After the goal that Brison scored, we were better. I must congratulate the players and the crowd because the atmosphere was great,” said Manolo.Despite the efforts, Goa were left with nothing as the team has now faced three defeats in as many games.“We finished with three corners and could so something (to get the equaliser). But in terms of performance of the team, as coach, it’s difficult to be prouder than tonight. My only worry is the injuries. We have to see the situation.“When you start to play football, you want to play these games, with such crowd in the stands. Now we have to keep going. Maybe, we will now comeback to the reality of Indian football. But we have to forget the past and look ahead,” said Manolo.Goa will now turn their focus to the Super Cup starting later this week. The next ACL2 clash is against Al-Nassr away in Riyadh on November 5.