FC Goa became the first Indian team to play in the group stage of the AFC Champions League. The Gaurs couldn’t move on to the next stage but they certainly won a lot of hearts with their inspirational performance against one of the top teams in Asia.

FC Goa were up against one of the strongest sides in Asia and they did well in all their matches. The Gaurs were able to draw their first two games but then veered off the track. Furthermore, Goa played six matches in an interval of 16 days. Goa drew three matches and lost as many to bag three points and finish third in Group E.

In fact, FC Goa could have won their maiden match of the tournament as they were ahead against Al Rayyan till the 89th minute but conceded in the dying stage of the match.

Meanwhile, former FC Goa defender Carlos Pena has heaped praise on the club for the brilliant performance in the tourney.

“They faced the best teams in Asia. Nobody expected this scoreline [their performance] as three matches were drawn and we were close to winning one match. The coach and staff have to be very proud of their players,” FC Goa tweeted 37-year-old Pena’s message.

Furthermore, FC Goa also took a lead against Persepolis FC, which was the best team of the group stage but then conceded two goals.

On the other hand, Carlos Pena played two seasons for FC Goa and made a total of 39 appearances for the club. He scored two goals for the team and also provided an assist during his stint with the Gaurs.

The Spaniard thus played a key role in the success of the club and helped them lift the Hero Super Cup in 2018. Pena announced his retirement from professional football in the last season.