We should have scored more, says Esteghlal’s Bakhtiarizadeh

Tue, 13 Oct, 2026

We should have scored more, says Esteghlal’s Bakhtiarizadeh

Al Rayyan: Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh felt Esteghlal FC should have won by a wider margin following their 2-1 defeat of Qatar’s Al Gharafa SC 2-1 in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/2027™ tie on Monday.

Jasir Assani’s stunning first half strike was cancelled out by Ferjani Sassi in the 44th minute before Hossein Goudarzi’s effort on the hour-mark secured Esteghlal’s second successive victory.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-|-al-gharafa-sc-qat-1-2-esteghlal-fc-irn

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3196951

Al Nassr’s response delights Postecoglou

Tue, 13 Oct, 2026

Al Nassr’s response delights Postecoglou

Riyadh: Ange Postecoglou was a delighted head coach after seeing Al Nassr Club bounce back in style to defeat PFC Neftchi  3-1 in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ tie on Monday.

The performance at King Saud University Stadium was a stark contrast to the Matchday One 4-0 defeat to UAE’s Al Ain FC and Postecoglou praised his players for their response. 

Al Shamal’s discipline pleases Prats

Tue, 13 Oct, 2026

Al Shamal’s discipline pleases Prats

Muscat: Head coach David Prats believes Al Shamal SC showed they can compete against the continent’s best after seeing his side hold Tractor FC to a goalless draw in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Monday.

The result earned Qatar’s Al Shamal a second consecutive draw in their debut campaign, while Tractor of the Islamic Republic of Iran picked up their first League Stage point.

Rodgers, Caras relieved to come away with point

Tue, 13 Oct, 2026

Rodgers, Caras relieved to come away with point

Tashkent: Emilian Caras and Brendan Rodgers shared the same sentiment after Pakhtakor and Al Qadsiah Club played to a 1-1 draw in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ League Stage match on Monday.

Caras was pleased to see his side from Uzbekistan rewarded after an inspired second half which led to Dostonbek Khamdamov’s equaliser from the penalty spot in the 89th minute while Rodgers felt his Saudi Arabian team deserved more. 

Ivic demands continued focus from Al Ain

Tue, 13 Oct, 2026

Ivic demands continued focus from Al Ain

Basra: Vladimir Ivic urged Al Ain FC to maintain their concentration throughout their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/2027™ League Stage campaign despite their impressive 4-1 win over Air Force SC on Monday.

Houssine Rahimi’s brace led the former champions to a second successive win, having defeated Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr Club 4-0 in their opener. 

Pusic applauds Al Ahli’s character, Vitoria rues missed chances

Tue, 13 Oct, 2026

Pusic applauds Al Ahli’s character, Vitoria rues missed chances

Dubai: Marino Pusic praised his players’ character and discipline after Al Ahli Saudi FC defeated Al Wasl FC 3-1 in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/2027™ tie on Monday.

Roger Ibanez put the two-time defending champions ahead in the 20th minute at the Zabeel Stadium and despite Pedro Malheiro drawing Al Wasl level in first-half stoppage time, second-half goals from Trincao and Feras Al Brikan powered the Saudi Arabian side to victory.