Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Al Ain: Former champions Al Ain and Uzbekistan’s Lokomotiv Tashkent will go head-to-head once again in three weeks’ time in the 2016 AFC Champions League with nothing between them after a scoreless draw in the first leg of their quarter-final clash at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday.
Neither side was able to eke out an advantage in stifling conditions in the oasis town in the United Arab Emirates’ desert meaning the return in Tashkent on September 13 will determine who advances to the semi-finals.
The home club, champions in 2003, went closest to breaking the deadlock nine minutes from time when Zlatko Dalic’s side threatened to capitalise on Server Djeparov’s mistake deep in the Al Ain half, but despite breaking at pace Danilo Asprilla saw his effort saved at point blank range by Ignatiy Nesterov.
That was one of only a smattering of chances in a game that was heavily influenced by the conditions, with temperatures hitting in excess of 40 degrees centigrade.
Dalic happy with Al Ain display despite missed opportunities
Lokomotiv delighted with draw in Al Ain heat ahead of Tashkent return
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/al_ain3_lokomotiv_qf_1st_leg_jpg_2.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/al_ain4_lokomotiv_qf_1st_leg_jpg_2.html
