Majidi: Be on guard for Gharafa backlash

AFC – DOHA, Esteghlal are bracing themselves for an Al Gharafa backlash when the two sides renew acquaintances in the AFC Champions League on Wednesday.

The Iranians comfortably outclassed an Al Gharafa side shorn of playmaker Juninho 3-0 last week in Tehran to go top of Group A.

However, the Brazilian returns from suspension for the clash at Al Gharafa Stadium and Esteghlal skipper Farhad Majidi urged his team-mates not to place too much stock in the result at the Azadi Stadium.

“It is a new game for us,” stated Majidi.

We have forgotten what happened last week,” the 33-year-old, who scored twice in the win over the Qataris continued.

“We know Al Gharafa are a different team when they play on home soil. They will hit back. We have to be on our guard.

“They missed their chief player Juninho last week. When he plays, Al Gharafa play better as a team. We have watched their last two or three matches so we know they are a strong side with quality players. They are the QSL (Qatar Stars League) champions.

“Last week we got a good result. We want another good result. We have come here to take three points. We have a plan. We know about their key players so it should be a great game.”

Esteghlal coach Abdolsamad Marfavi, meanwhile, is keen to remain top of the group and is confident his side can do just that on Wednesday evening.

“They can get ahead of us if they win. We are looking to keep the top spot in what is a tough group,” said Marfavi.

“Besides, we play better in away games so hopefully we will have another good match. This match is different from last week’s game. We had our own fans (at the Azadi Stadium) and now we are playing away. The players know the situation.”

Al Gharafa midfielder Otman Elassas believes Juninho’s return will provide a timely lift for the hosts as they look to avenge last week’s defeat.

“Last week, we missed Juninho. He makes a difference to this side,” he said.

“He brings confidence with him. We missed him last week. Now, we are ready. We have rested, we have a plan. We are ready to change last week’s score. We have enough motivation to win this match.

“We are on home soil. We will be backed by our own fans. We should take advantage of this situation.

“We should remember Esteghlal were helped by a huge crowd (of about 60,000). That makes a difference to any side.”

Al Gharafa coach Caio Junior, on the other hand, played down Juninho’s return as the answer to their problems.

“He does not hold a magic wand,” joked the Brazilian.

“He is a great player but we have a great bunch of players who can do the job. But we know his importance to our side.”