Esteghlal vs Al-Nassr

Azadi Stadium sets the stage for the first leg of an exciting AFC Champions League last-16 tie between Esteghlal and Al-Nassr.

Esteghlal didn’t fare well in the league phase of the AFC Champions League but picked up just enough points to progress, courtesy of two wins from eight outings (D3, L3). Worryingly, two of their three encounters against Saudi Pro League clubs during the league stage ended in defeat ‘to nil,’ including a 1-0 loss to upcoming rivals Al-Nassr on this ground. Therefore, their quest to win their third AFC Champions League title and first since 1991 faces a Herculean task. A 2-1 away loss to domestic opposition Persepolis in the build-up to this fixture knocked them down from a three-match winning streak, which featured a decisive 2-0 win against Al-Rayyan in this competition.

Meanwhile, Al-Nassr finished third in the league-stage table behind domestic rivals Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli despite only losing once in eight matches (W5, D2). However, two of their four away games in the opening stage ended level, suggesting Stefano Pioli’s charges will unlikely seal progression in the first leg. Further skepticism comes from Al-Nassr’s rotten patch ahead of this contest, with Al-Alami failing to win three of their last four games (D1, L2), including a dismal 2-1 defeat at Saudi Pro League minnows Al-Orubah at the weekend. But that’s their only loss in seven matches on the road (W4, D2).