Al Rayyan head coach Laurent Blanc didn’t hide his relief following Monday’s 1-1 stalemate against FC Goa in Group E of the 2021 AFC Champions League. After enduring 88 minutes of frustration, Ali Ferydoon levelled for Al Rayyan after Jorge Ortiz had given the hosts the lead in the third minute.
It meant Al Rayyan avoided a fourth defeat in five matches and Frenchman Blanc said it was an important result for his team after a disappointing campaign.
“It was a very difficult match today but the important thing is that we walked away with a point,” said Blanc. “After three defeats in a row, I will gladly take whatever that comes to us. Against Persepolis we scored first but later conceded three goals. With Al Wahda we were up by two goals but unfortunately we also let in three goals. Today is different. We were down by a goal and scored to take a point.”
Blanc said although his team conceded an early goal, FC Goa’s Dheeraj Singh was the busier of the two goalkeepers.
“To say that we were troubled in the match is incorrect. My goalkeeper had nothing much to do for the most part of the game as FC Goa did not burden him. My players were very motivated throughout the match. They did not give up. We, at least, deserved the draw. I want to thank the players for their efforts. We played with five young players today who are with the U23 squad.
“Overall I’m happy with what I saw today, they did well. Maybe, who knows, I’ll put them in the first 11 against Persepolis.”
FC Goa head coach Juan Ferrando had a different view of the match as he praised his side for holding an Al Rayyan side packed with talented players.
“It’s hard to lose a match in the last minute of the game,” said Ferrando. “We faced a very good team and these teams like Al Rayyan, Al Wahda and Persepolis play Continental football, they have the experience.”