Kashima Antlers collapsed early on home soil in the first leg, within less than 10 minutes they were two goals down and seemed close to a second defeat to Suwon Samsung Bluewings at the Kashima Soccer Stadium.

However, they reduced the deficit in the first half, and with less than five minutes on the clock they fired two goals to clinch a vital victory ahead of the return leg this Wednesday.

Three AFC Champions League appearances, three goals scored, it's fair to say that Brazilian midfielder Serginho has found life in the continent's preeminent club competition very much to his liking.

The 23-year-old netted in both legs of the quarter-final against China PR's Tianjian Quanjian, and scored a vital equaliser in the 3-2 win semi-final first leg win over Suwon of Korea Republic at the end of last month.

Persepolis had become the first team to defeat Al Sadd at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in the 2018 edition, after weathering an avalanche of Qatari attacks for 85 minutes and then hitting on the counter, forcing goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb to concede a penalty that resulted in the winner.

Iranian side Persepolis host 2011 winners Al Sadd of Qatar on Tuesday, before Japan’s Kashima travel to Korea Republic to face Suwon on Wednesday as the teams get set to square off for the fourth time in the current campaign.

Persepolis go into the match with a one-goal goal advantage after Ali Alipour’s late penalty secured a hard-fought 1-0 win in the first leg, but an away goal for Al Sadd would leave the match at Azadi Stadium on a knife edge.

Daei, who is currently the head coach at Iranian Pro League side Saipa, had two spells with Persepolis during a distinguished playing career, winning the domestic league championship in 1995-96 before leaving for stints in Qatar, Germany and the United Arab Emirates before returning in 2003.

Al Sadd dominated the first leg in Doha three weeks ago, but Persepolis put in a strong defensive display and scored a late penalty to claim a 1-0 victory as for once the competition’s 12-goal top scorer Bounedjah was kept quiet.

Persepolis boast a 100 per cent home record on the continent this year, including victory over Al Sadd in the group stage, but the Qatari side will travel to Azadi Stadium with confidence having defeated another Tehran side, Esteghlal, at the same venue in the quarter-finals in a game that saw Bounedjah bag a brace.

From today till October 26, the five finalists are in the running for the grand prize, where the winner shall receive an all expense-paid trip to either the first or second legs of the 2018 AFC Champions League final. The prize includes transport (domestic or international), accommodation and VIP passes for two.

For more information of the contest terms & conditions, please visit the link below:
#ACL2018 ULTIMATE FAN