Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar’s Al Rayyan and Persepolis FC of Iran will be aiming to revive their respective campaigns when they square off in the AFC Champions League Elite 2024-25 at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Monday at 9pm.
Both sides are in desperate need of a win with Al Rayyan having accumulated three points from four matches while Persepolis are one behind. Al Rayyan ended a run of three consecutive defeats with their 1-0 win over Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor on Matchday Four and will be hoping to carry that form into their tie against Persepolis.
Al Rayyan were edged 1-2 by Al Shamal in the Ooredoo Stars League on Friday but would be looking to show their form on a bigger stage.
Al Rayyan coach Younes Ali said his side is focused on improving their chances of qualifying for the knockouts.
"We are looking to capitalise on our previous win against Pakhtakor and increase our chances of qualifying for the next stage.
"We have turned the page on the last Al Shamal match, in which I bear responsibility for the loss. I trust my players’ ability to do their best in the continental championship,” said Ali.
He added, "We aim to derive strength from our last win against Pakhtakor (of Uzbekistan) and do well to enhance our chances of qualifying for the next round having studied the opposition well.”
Persepolis’ assistant coach Seyed Jalal Hosseini said the contest is a difficult.
"Al Rayyan match will be difficult and strong, and we need to achieve victory and come out with the three points. So we will do our best to get the desired result,” he said.
"Our preparations have been good for tomorrow’s match and we look forward to winning and restoring our chances of qualifying for the round of 16. We will do our best to come out with a positive result,” he stressed.
Persepolis have also found the going tough on the continental stage, managing just two draws but will count on their record against Al Rayyan to get on the winning trail - having won two and drawn one of their last three meetings with the Qatari side.
Their domestic form has been good, advancing to the Round of 16 of the Hazfi Cup with a 3-0 defeat of Soongun on Thursday and sitting just a point behind leaders Sepahan in the Iran Pro League 2024-25.