Without Ronaldo, Al Nassr still stirs up Goa

Ronaldo is not going to India this time.

Both teams completed their final training session at the Fatorda stadium - which is expected to be packed with more than 60,000 spectators.

The late confirmation that Ronaldo would not be going to India disappointed thousands of fans. Many fans bought tickets just to see the Portuguese superstar, the owner of 5 Golden Balls.

However, Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus insisted that this was a strategic decision: "Cristiano is staying in Riyadh to rest and prepare for the Saudi Pro League. We need to manage the workload properly, especially on away trips. He is aiming for a sixth World Cup, and the team fully supports that."

Ronaldo’s absence sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some fans even reselling their tickets. But the heat around the Fatorda stadium did not subside. João Félix, Sadio Mané, Kingsley Coman and Íñigo Martínez still guaranteed a night of continental football.

Ronaldo is in good form.

FC Goa coach Manolo Márquez insists the team is not affected by the Ronaldo fever: “Of course, everyone wants to see him play. But Al Nassr is still a top team in Asia. We focus on the 11 players on the pitch and will fight with all our might. This is an opportunity for Indian football to prove its progress.”

Captain Brandon Fernandes added: “Fatorda will be packed with spectators whether Ronaldo is there or not. This is a pride for Goa and for India.”

Many in the crowd were still excited even though their idol was not playing. Yvonne Fernandes, a loyal fan of Ronaldo, shared: “It is a bit disappointing, but to see Al Nassr play in Goa is something to be proud of. I especially wanted to see João Félix and Mané. This is history – to see world- class football on home soil.”

Another fan, Anand Govekar from Anjuna, said Ronaldo should rest: “At his age, he needs protection. Even without Ronaldo, Al Nassr is still very strong and plays great football. I am looking forward to a match full of speed and emotion.”

At 8:45 pm, Goa will not only be a tourist destination, but will become the center of Asian football, where India's dreams and pride will blend with the bright lights of Fatorda - even if Ronaldo is not on the field, "Al Nassr fever" will still burn in the atmosphere.

Source: https://znews.vn/khong-ronaldo-al-nassr-van-khuay-dao-goa-post1596058.html