Not our normal level rues Ghalenoei

AFC – ESFAHAN, Sepahan coach Amir Ghalenoei insists the Iran Pro League table-toppers were lucky to escape with a point from Wednesday’s goalless stalemate with UAE’s Al Ain in the AFC Champions League.

Ghalenoei was delighted with performance in the 1-1 opening day draw with Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab at the end of last month, but was far from happy as Sepahan failed to take advantage of a crucial home game at Foolad Shahr Stadium.

The Iranians were left to rue the absence of Iraq striker Emad Mohammed as a second consecutive draw saw Sepahan slip to third place in Group C after Al Shabab recorded a 3-1 victory over Pakhtakor in Uzbekistan.

With Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab beating Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor 3-1, Sepahan dropped to third in Group C with Al Ain propping up the table after picking up a first point of the campaign.

“In both the first and second half we did not play to our usual level,” said Ghalenoei.

“We also suffered a lot with poor finishing and had my boys been more careful in the final third, we could have grabbed the three points.”

The draw was Sepahan’s second in succession and makes three points from their next game against Pakhtakor vital if they are to maintain hopes of progressing to the next stage.

“We have to play much better in the next games to make up for these two games,” continued the former Esteghlal boss.

Al Ain coach Toninho Cerezo was understandably happier with the result which keeps his side in contention as they sit just three points behind leaders Al Shabab.

“In the first half we had more scoring chances, but in the second half we were kept more on the back foot after being pressed by Sepahan,” said the Brazilian.

“My defenders played very well and in fact the Sepahan players were caught by the offside trap on a number of occasions. This meant that they had to turn to throw ins and crosses rather than direct play, which we had a plan for.

“I cannot predict who will qualify to the next round just yet but I believe the spectators at Foolad Shahr stadium today were the real winners of the match as they watched a good game.”