Tribune News Network
Doha
Al Gharafa will have to find their best form if they are to kickstart their AFC Champions League Elite 2024-25 campaign against UAE’s Al Ain FC at the Al Bayt Stadium on Tuesday at 9pm.
Al Gharafa suffered a 3-0 defeat to Esteghlal FC of the Iran in their opener while Al Ain had to settle for a share of the points against Al Sadd SC.
Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins, speaking on eve of the match said, "Our preparations were good for the match and there is a level of optimism within the team to achieve the desired result and correct the course after the loss in the first round match.”
Al Gharafa will take to the pitch not in the best of form, having been beaten 4-2 by Al Sadd in their most recent Ooredoo Stars League tie.
The defeat left them in sixth place in the standings, seven points behind pacesetters Al Duhail SC.
They will, however, gain confidence from the fact that they have lost only once in six home matches against UAE teams (W5 L1), with the last loss being a 3-2 defeat to Al Jazira in 2018.
Al Ain felt they were unlucky against Al Sadd and the AFC Champions League 2023/24 winners will be determined to take the three points.
Hernan Crespo’s side are in good form, having booked their spot in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup-African-Asian-Pacific Cup after defeating New Zealand’s Auckland City FC.
That was followed by a 4-2 win against defending champions Al Wasl in their UAE Pro League tie and the two-time Asian champions will be fired up for Al Gharafa.