How can Al-Nassr lineup for home fixture vs FC Goa in AFC Champions League Two without Cristiano Ronaldo?

Al-Nassr are at the top of the table with three wins in three games.

With three victories and nine goals scored in three games in the 2025/26 AFC Champions League-2 season, Al-Nassr currently tops Group D. Up next, they will meet FC Goa at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on October 5, 2025, at 11:45 PM IST.

These two teams met only a few weeks ago at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa, where the Saudis won 2-1.

Jorge Jesus made the headlines by leaving Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo Brozovic out of the travelling squad in the team’s reverse fixture. Joao Felix, Sadio Mane, and Kingsley Coman were among the important forwards who were excluded from the starting eleven. However, this time around, Jorge Jesus might opt for a much stronger team, given that they are playing at home.

Since the Portuguese striker hasn’t yet played any minutes in the 2025–2026 AFC Champions League-2 season, Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability is still unknown. Because of the injury he suffered against Al-Ittihad, French defender Mohamed Simakan is unlikely to be available. Here’s how Jorge Jesus may line up against FC Goa.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Bento Krepski

Bento has been exclusively used by Jorge Jesus for the AFC Champions League-2 games. The Brazilian goalkeeper has started all three games this campaign and is anticipated to keep his position in the starting lineup.

Left-back: Nawaf Al-Boushal

Nawaf Al-Boushal has been a key member in Al-Nassr’s defense in recent years. Having played just 45 minutes against Al-Fayha over the weekend, the Saudi international is anticipated to start as left-back ahead of Al-Najdi.

Centre-back: Inigo Martinez

In the 14 games Inigo Martinez has played for Al-Nassr, the team conceded only 9 goals and maintained seven clean sheets. In addition to his defensive skills, he is a leader in the back and will undoubtedly be among the first names included on Jorge Jesus’ team sheet. He was certainly furious when Brison put that ball in the back of the net and will be hoping he keeps a clean sheet.

Centre-back: Abdulelah Al-Amri

With Simakan now unavailable for selection, Jorge Jesus may turn to Al-Amri to fill the spot left by the French defender. Al-Amri, a versatile player at the back, has started every AFC Champions League-2 match for Al-Nassr this season as a left back.

Right-back: Sultan Al-Ghannam

Al-Ghannam, one of the club’s captains, is a versatile defender who mostly plays as a centre-back but can occasionally play as a right-back. Al-Ghannam, who has played every minute of the Champions League campaign so far, is anticipated to continue playing on the right side of the defence.

Central midfield: Marcelo Brozovic

After missing the trip to Goa, Brozovic is back in action and might be selected for the home game against FC Goa. The Croatian midfielder is often referred to as the team’s “heartbeat” since he orchestrates the midfield effortlessly. He can at times score goals, and FC Goa will need to keep him quiet in order to demonstrate their dominance in the game.

Central midfield: Angelo Gabriel

Angelo has been an essential part of Al-Nassr’s recent accomplishments since joining the club in the summer of 2024. He is a right-winger by trade, but Jorge Jesus has moved him to midfield since he came on board, and the Brazilian continues to make a name for himself. He also scored against Goa in the previous game and is set to retain his spot.

Left-winger: Sadio Mane

A player of Sadio Mane’s level of talent chooses himself without any explanation. Mane, one of the top wingers in the country, started his most recent AFC Champions League-2 match against FC Goa from the bench. Mane, who has nine goals in thirteen games this season, will be excited to start this game and add to his goal contribution total.

Central attacking midfield: Joao Felix

Felix has struggled to find form in recent years, having played for Barcelona, AC Milan, and Chelsea. But since joining Al-Nassr, he hasn’t looked back and has been among the best players, scoring 14 goals in 14 games, including two hat tricks. Felix, the primary source of creativity and goals in Ronaldo’s absence, will aim to continue making an impression.

Right-winger: Wesley

Given Kingsley Coman’s injury background, Jorge Jesus might choose not to start him versus FC Goa as he played about 105 minutes in the weekend. Wesley is a highly skilled winger who might start on the right side of the attack. He also started the previous game, but Aakash Sangwan and Dejan Drazic managed to keep him quiet.

Striker: Haroune Camara

Cristiano Ronaldo, who has not played in any Champions League matches thus far, is anticipated to miss this one as well. Jorge Jesus has frequently relied on Haroune Camara when Cristiana Ronaldo isn’t available. The Saudi international scored in the last game against FC Goa and would be looking to do the same this time.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.