"The result we got was not the result we deserved. Before talking about the game, I would like to thank the fans who had a large and enthusiastic presence. I also apologise for the result.

 

"We did everything we could and the result should have been the opposite. We have not discussed the result yet as is very painful," said Golmohammadi.

With the score tied at 1-1, Persepolis had a chance to go ahead when they were awarded a penalty in the 80th minute, only for Georgian defender Giorgi Gvelesiani to send his spot-kick against the crossbar. 

 

"After we missed the penalty, we still had a chance, but Al Duhail are a good counter attacking team and in making plays. It was a difficult game for us, but we created good positions.

 

"We were able to reach the opponents' goal very well and we should have finished the job or used our penalty better. Unfortunately, this did not happen and we were eliminated."

For Qatar's Al Duhail, the win was a balm after a difficult campaign which saw them unable to build on last season's AFC Champions League semi-final appearance. 

 

"As I said yesterday (Monday), it is true that we were eliminated, but we must respect the competition. I told my players to play with confidence. The atmosphere in the stadium was wonderful. It is hard for Persepolis and the fans that they could not get a result.

 

"I didn't start with players like (Michael) Olunga because we were eliminated and it was a good opportunity to give the younger players a chance and time. In addition, we had lost the previous game (to Persepolis) at home. We had some injuries. All these factors worked together to make this happen," said Al Duhail head coach Christophe Gaultier.