AFC Champions League Elite
The victory saw Esteghlal bounce back from last week’s defeat to Shabab Al Ahli, while Al Shamal were unable to build on their Matchday Three win over Al Hilal SFC.
#ACLElite | Esteghlal (IRN) 1-0 Al Shamal SC (QAT)
“I’m happy that we were able to end this game with a victory,” said Bakhtiarizadeh. “We played great football in the second half and I’m proud of my players because they spared no effort to make the fans happy.”
Bakhtiarizadeh felt Esteghlal took control after an evenly contested first half and was pleased by the chances his side created before Asani found the breakthrough.
“We witnessed a close game in the first half but in the second half, we had the pulse of the game and were the better team on the field.
“We must be able to create opportunities against any opponent and at the same time not allow the opponent to gain any opportunities. Not scoring goals is also part of football.”
“We witnessed a close game in the first half but in the second half, we had the pulse of the game and were the better team on the field.
“We must be able to create opportunities against any opponent and at the same time not allow the opponent to gain any opportunities. Not scoring goals is also part of football.”
Al Shamal head coach David Prats took encouragement from his side’s display but rued their inability to see out the closing stages.
“I believe we were unlucky in today’s match, which we lost in the final minutes; it came down to small details that ultimately determined the result.
“We faced a very strong opponent – one whose quality we were well aware of – and we performed well against them in a highly competitive encounter. Both sides had clear-cut scoring opportunities."
“I believe we were unlucky in today’s match, which we lost in the final minutes; it came down to small details that ultimately determined the result.
“We faced a very strong opponent – one whose quality we were well aware of – and we performed well against them in a highly competitive encounter. Both sides had clear-cut scoring opportunities."
“Perhaps we suffered a bit more from fatigue compared to the Iranian side, but that is no excuse; we played well, stayed true to our identity, and showed both ambition and a desire to win. Unfortunately, we didn’t secure the desired result in the closing moments – a stroke of bad luck, but something that can happen in football.
“Today, we failed to manage the final moments and couldn’t control the minor details that ultimately led to our defeat.
“Today, we failed to manage the final moments and couldn’t control the minor details that ultimately led to our defeat.
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