Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: UAE’s Al Jazira and Islamic Republic of Iran’s Tractorsazi Tabriz played out a goalless draw at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Matchday Three of the AFC Champions League Group A tie on Monday.
Ehsan Pahlevan had the most dangerous chance of the game three minutes after the restart after he was sent through on goal by a sublime Mehdi Kiani pass. The Tractorsazi winger fired with his left but goalkeeper Ali Khaseif blocked the angle and saved from close distance to keep the score level.
Daniel Esmaeilifar came agonisingly close to opening the scoring for the visitors at the hour-mark as he capitalised on a defensive mistake to send a low drive through the legs of Al Jazira’s Mohamed Jamal. Esmaeilifar watched his shot graze the outside of the upright and go out for a goal kick.
Tractrosazi goalkeeper Jordi had his toughest test three minutes from time when defender Khalifa Mubarak rose highest to head Khalfan Mubarak’s free-kick, but the goalkeeper dived low to save at his near post and earn his side a clean sheet and an important away point.
The Iranian side are yet to score a goal in the competition this season and will be eager to break their duck when they welcome Al Jazira to Tabriz next week.