“We can qualify for the next round” – Branko Ivankovic
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Loading...Tehran Times – RIYADH, Persepolis coach Branko Ivankovic believes his team has a good chance to qualify for the next round of the AFC Champions League ahead of round of 16 return leg against Al Hilal.
“Fortunately, we managed to get a win in the first leg at Azadi Stadium in Tehran and I believe we have a good chance to qualify for the next round. I’ve told you before that Al Hilal is the best team in Asia, they have a very good squad with great players in defense, midfield and attack,” Branko Ivankovic said.
“They have finished third in the Saudi league so the only competition left for them is AFC Champions League. They will fight until the end to keep their hope alive and remain in the competition,” the Croatian coach said.
“Thiago Neves and Nasser Al-Shamrani, who were absent in the first leg, are back for Al Hilal while we don’t have Gabriel and Mehrdad Kafshgari due to injury. We expect a tough match in Riyadh in which they will attack from the first minutes,” he added.
Persepolis beat Al Hilal 1-0 in the first leg of round of 16 in Tehran thanks to an injury time own goal by Brazilian defender Digao.
