Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tehran: The 2018 AFC Champions League final didn't go according to plan but Persepolis head coach Branko Ivankovic said there was victory in defeat for the Islamic Republic of Iran side.
The fact that his players and the team's fans gave it their all meant Persepolis had won despite Kashima Antlers holding them to a 0-0 draw to seal their first AFC Champions League title with a 2-0 win on aggregate.
"I am so proud of my players, they tried so hard and put all their energy into the match. They are winners," said Ivankovic.
"I am also so proud of the great atmosphere, the Persepolis fans showed they are the best and we appreciate them."
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2018_acl_final_2nd_leg_persepolis_fc_v_kashima_antlers_2.html
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tehran: Kashima Antlers were crowned AFC Champions League winners for the first time after a goalless stalemate with Islamic Republic of Iran’s Persepolis at the Azadi Stadium on Saturday saw the Japanese side wrap up a 2-0 aggregate scoreline following their first leg victory in Japan last week.
A stalwart rearguard action from the visitors frustrated their hosts and the bulk of the 100,000 supporters who had crammed themselves into the cavernous venue in Tehran, with Persepolis unable to reduce Kashima’s two-goal advantage.
Of the few chances that did fall Persepolis’ way, the majority came to striker Ali Alipour but he was unable to make them count, as Go Oiwa’s side secured the 0-0 draw to make it back-to-back Asian champions from the J.League after Urawa Red Diamonds’ triumph last year.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tehran: Yuma Suzuki of Kashima Antlers was crowned the 2018 AFC Champions League Most Valuable Player (MVP) in Tehran on Saturday.
Suzuki's performances in the 2018 AFC Champions League played a pivotal role in Kashima's surge to the title for the first time, with the 22-year-old striker - with two goals to his name - having developed a solid understanding with Brazilian Serginho.
"I am really, really happy with the fact that I was selected for the ACL MVP. but this award is not just about myself but it’s the result of the team performance," said Suzuki.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tehran: AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino in welcoming the presence of more than 1,000 female fans in the Azadi Stadium for the 2018 AFC Champions League final on Saturday.
After the final won 2-0 on aggregate by Japan’s Kashima Antlers against Persepolis of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Shaikh Salman said : "Football in Asia has always been inclusive and the AFC welcomes supporters no matter their creed, beliefs, gender or race.
"I thank the authorities in IR Iran for making it possible for a diverse and socially representative crowd to witness an extraordinary occasion. Tonight was historic in so many ways and showed that the AFC continues to develop their competitions.
"So much credit must go to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran for their co-operation and support in staging this memorable final."