&w=3840&q=100)
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in India? Al Nassr to face FC Goa in ACL 2
Al Nassr, despite boasting stars like Ronaldo, missed out on qualification for the top-tier AFC Champions League Elite after finishing third in the Saudi Pro League. As a result, they now compete in the second-tier ACL 2 and will face FC Goa, Iraq's Al Zawraa SC, and FC Istiklol of Tajikistan in the group stage. FC Goa set for 2nd continental spell
FC Goa enters the tournament as 2025 Super Cup champions and semifinalists in the 2024–25 Indian Super League. Their group-stage berth was secured with a 2-1 play-off win over Oman's Al Seeb Club earlier this week in Margao. This marks their second continental appearance, the first being in the 2021 AFC Champions League when it was Asia's premier club competition.
Although the group stage will follow a home-and-away format, it remains uncertain whether Cristiano Ronaldo will travel to India for Al Nassr's away fixture against FC Goa. A similar situation occurred in 2023, when Neymar Jr., then with Al Hilal, missed a group match against Mumbai City FC due to injury. That match ended in a heavy 0-6 defeat for the Indian side.
Previously, Indian clubs enjoyed direct entry into the group stage of the former top-tier AFC Champions League, but with the restructuring of Asian club football, India now receives a direct slot and a play-off spot in ACL 2. Mohun Bagan Super Giant also in the fray
In a separate group, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, winners of the ISL 2024–25 Shield, have been placed in Group C. They'll compete against Sepahan SC of Iran (runners-up in the Persian Gulf Pro League), Jordanian champions Al Hussein SC, and Turkmenistan's Ahal FC, who finished second in the Yokary Liga.
This will be Mohun Bagan's eighth participation in the continent's second-tier competition, formerly known as the AFC Cup.
The 2025–26 AFC Champions League 2 features 32 teams split into East and West zones, each containing four groups of four clubs. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Round of 16.
Tournament Schedule:
Group Stage: September 16 – December 24, 2025
Round of 16: February 10–19, 2026
Quarter-finals: March 3–12, 2026
Semi-finals: April 7–15, 2026
Final: May 16, 2026
AFC Champions League 2 (2025–26) Group Stage Draw:
Group A: Al Wasl FC (UAE), Esteghlal FC (Iran), Al Muharraq SC (Bahrain), Al Wehdat (Jordan)
Group B: Al Ahli SC (Qatar), PFC Andijon (Uzbekistan), FC Arkadag (Turkmenistan), Al Khaldiya SC (Bahrain)
Group C: Sepahan SC (Iran), Al Hussein SC (Jordan), Mohun Bagan Super Giant (India), Ahal FC (Turkmenistan)
Group D: Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia), Al Zawraa SC (Iraq), FC Istiklol (Tajikistan), FC Goa (India)
Group E: Beijing FC (China), Macarthur FC (Australia), Tai Po FC (Hong Kong), Cong An Ha Noi FC (Vietnam)
Group F: Gamba Osaka (Japan), Nam Dinh FC (Vietnam), Ratchaburi FC (Thailand), Eastern FC (Hong Kong)
Group G: Bangkok United (Thailand), Selangor FC (Malaysia), Lion City Sailors FC (Singapore), Persib Bandung (Indonesia)
Group H: Pohang Steelers (South Korea), BG Pathum United (Thailand), Kaya FC-Iloilo (Philippines), Tampines Rovers FC (Singapore)
Will Ronaldo play in India? While many fans are elated by the fact that the Portuguese superstar's side has been drawn to play in Goa now, it is still to be confirmed whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo will be travelling to India to play the away tie. According to reports, Ronaldo has a clause in his contract that allows him to skip a few away games for Al Nassr, especially in the AFC Champions League 2 due to security reasons. Whether or not he decides to travel is upto him and will be confirmed only a few days before the fixture.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
12 minutes ago
- India.com
Just One Player! India Would Have Not Boycotted Pakistan Game In WCL 2025 If Not For This Player
India Champions forfeited both their group stage and semi-final matches against Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. A member of the Indian team, speaking anonymously to NDTV, revealed one of the main reasons behind the boycott to NDTV. While the world thought that it was a collective decision to boycott Pakitsna due to brutal Pahalgam terror attacks on innocent civillians but the report reveals that it was because of just one player and not the whole team or nation. The player stated, "It was a decision to not play against Shahid Afridi, given the statements he had made." The India Champions team withdrew from their opening match against Pakistan Champions following the Pahalgam terror attack. They later staged a walkover in the semi-final, allowing Pakistan Champions direct entry to the final. Pakistan eventually faced South Africa Champions in the final but were defeated. The anonymous Indian legend, closely involved in the boycott decision, explained that whether the team would have reconsidered it depended on Shahid Afridi's presence. "It is an afterthought. We knew of our fixture against Pakistan but was not sure of the composition of the team," the legend told NDTV. Afridi had once commented, "We are here to play cricket, and I've always said that cricket should be kept away from politics it should move forward. A player should be a good ambassador, not a source of embarrassment for their country." ALSO READ - Meet CSK's Starboy Dewald Brevis' Girlfriend Linda Maree: From Friendship To Romance, Breakup Rumours & More India Champions Decided To Boycott India Champions included players such as Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan, all of whom refused to play against Pakistan Champions. Despite India pulling out of their group stage clash, both teams were awarded a point each. That point proved crucial, as India Champions secured a place in the semi-finals by staging a remarkable run chase against West Indies Champions in their final group game. But later India were to face Pakistan in the semi-final stage and staying true to their stance on the issue in the league stage, India decided to pull out of the semi-final fixture and thus got knocked out without playing. Pakistan Champions played the final against South Africa champions but eventually lost to South Africa starrting AB De Villers blazing century. In response to India's boycott, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a ban on the country's participation in the WCL. The PCB criticized the WCL's handling of the India-Pakistan matches, accusing it of "hypocrisy and bias. "The decision was taken after a detailed discussion in the Board of Directors meeting on Thursday. The high-level authorities felt Indian players refusing to play Pakistan in the WCL's second edition twice is hurtful to the name of the country. All private organisations will face legal action in case they use Pakistan's name. PCB has the sole right to allow its use for cricket events if it finds the authenticity of the League and the organisation as reputable," PCB said in a statement.
News18
21 minutes ago
- News18
Former India Teammate Names R Ashwin As Future Coach After Gambhir Steps Down
Cheteshwar Pujara endorsed Ravichandran Ashwin as a future India coach and feels Virat Kohli is likely to break nearly every record in world cricket. Cheteshwar Pujara, a key figure in India's Test batting lineup, recently discussed the future of Indian cricket and endorsed Ravichandran Ashwin as the ideal candidate for India's coaching role in the years to come. Ashwin, celebrated for his cricketing acumen and strategic prowess both as a batsman and bowler, has recently retired from international cricket. His last appearance was during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia, playing in the second Test before officially retiring after the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. Ashwin concluded his career as India's second-most successful bowler across formats, with a remarkable tally of 765 wickets. In Test cricket, he retired with 537 wickets, making him India's second-highest wicket-taker in the format, only behind Anil Kumble, who tops the list with 619 wickets. His final Test match was in Adelaide, where he further solidified his legacy with his last international wicket. During a candid Q&A session with ESPNcricinfo, Pujara was asked who he believed could become India's coach in the future. He promptly named Ravichandran Ashwin. This choice can be for Ashwin's deep understanding of cricket and his ability to grasp the intricate details of the game, positioning him as a strong candidate for the coaching role. Ashwin's final competitive appearance was in the Indian Premier League 2025, representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Unfortunately, it was a forgettable season for both Ashwin and CSK. Ashwin took only seven wickets in nine matches, conceding 283 runs, while CSK had one of their worst seasons, finishing last with just four wins from 14 games, exacerbated by the injury of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Additionally, Pujara identified Virat Kohli as the batsman likely to break nearly every record in world cricket. Kohli, who recently retired from Test cricket following a disappointing series in Australia during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (scoring only 190 runs in five Tests), ended his international career on a high. His last appearance was in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where India triumphed over New Zealand in the final at the Dubai International Stadium to claim the prestigious trophy. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
42 minutes ago
- First Post
'The fact is that...': Ashwin clears the air after CSK statement on Dewald Brevis signing
Ravichandran Ashwin has clarified his remarks on Chennai Super Kings' signing of Dewald Brevis for IPL 2025, saying his comments were misunderstood. Ashwin said that there was no wrongdoing by CSK, the player, or the IPL authorities after CSK issued a statement. After Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gave their side on the Dewald Brevis signing, Ravichandran Ashwin has now come forward to clear the confusion around his earlier remarks. Ashwin had suggested that CSK may have paid extra to bring in Brevis as an injury replacement during the IPL 2025 season. Ashwin clarifies earlier remarks on Brevis Ashwin explained that his comments were misunderstood and blown out of proportion on social media. The former Indian spinner said he never accused anyone of wrongdoing and only shared facts on his YouTube show. He added that the media twisted his statements to suit their own narrative. 'I just want to say this. I focus more on cricket rather than the chatter on social media. We make videos on YouTube to give our opinions. People who watch our videos, don't do any wrongdoing. However, those who don't watch can twist the statements according to their whims and fancies. In today's world, news can be made based on one statement or headline,' Ashwin said his show Ash Ki Baat. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ashwin also reacted to CSK's official statement, saying the franchise did the right thing by clarifying as many fans had doubts about Brevis being signed for INR 2.20 crore. Ashwin stressed that there was no mistake from CSK, the player, or the IPL authorities, and the clarification was simply to avoid confusion. More from First Cricket Jasprit Bumrah confirms availability for Asia Cup 2025 to Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee: Report 'In today's time, there is a need to clarify the right things as well. There is no mistake by anyone; clarification on this matter has arisen from the fact that a lot of people have doubts. The fact is that no mistake has been made by the franchise, the player and the governing body,' Ashwin added. On Saturday, CSK issued a statement saying that they followed all the rules and procedures while signing Brevis as a replacement player. Brevis was not bought in the IPL 2025 mega auction, but CSK later signed him as Gurjapneet Singh's replacement. CSK stated that they paid Rs 2.20 crore to Brevis as Gurjapneet was bought for that amount in the auctions. 'Chennai Super Kings categorically clarifies that all actions taken by the franchise during the signing process of Dewald Brevis as a Replacement Player during TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 were in complete compliance with the rules and regulations of IPL,' the franchise stated.
