Saudi, Iran continue fierce ACL rivalry

AFC – KUALA LUMPUR,  The AFC Champions League R16 clash between Al Shabab and Esteghlal is yet another chapter in the fierce rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran at all levels.

Although the Saudis have won the ACL twice and finished runners-up once, thanks to Al Ittihad, in terms of head-to-head, the Iranians have proven to be hard nuts.

Indeed, one of the toughest and most intimidating places in Asia to come away from with a win is Iran, who can usually rely on tens of thousands of fans to back them against all comers.

Of the Saudi clubs’ 12 ACL games in Iran, only Al Hilal, the Riyadh titans, have been able to win on Persian soil. Their 1-0 victory over Saba Battery in the 2009 edition of the AFC Champions League stands out as a lonely beacon in a haze of defeats.

On the other hand, Iranian teams have won three times in Saudi Arabia from 12 of their visits.

Former ACL runners-up Sepahan were the first to win in Saudi Arabia when they edged past Al Shabab 1-0 in Riyadh in the 2007 edition of the Asia’s premier club competition.

It was Sepahan again in 2008 when they shocked two-time champions Al Ittihad 1-0 in Jeddah while Esteghlal overcame Al Ahli 2-1 in group stage of this year’s ACL in Jeddah.

Sepahan alone played 12 matches against Saudi clubs and won eight. They lost two and two games were drawn.

A total of 25 matches have been played between the clubs from these two countries so far with Iranian sides winning 13 while the Saudis could manage full points in just six games.

One of these matches was played in Kuwait, during the 2002-03 competition when the group stages were centralised.

Six games ended in draws. Of the eight matches played between them this year, out of which five went to the Iranians, one to their rivals, while two ended in draws.

Iran hold a 33-27 advantage in goal difference.

The overall achievements of Saudi clubs in the AFC Champions League, however, overshadow these statistics.

Al Ittihad won the title twice in 2004 and 2005 and finished runners-up to Pohang Steelers last year while the Iranians only have Sepahan’s final appearance in 2007 to show for their troubles.

Three Iran clubs – Zob Ahan, Esteghlal and Mes Kerman – have made it to the Round of 16 this year compared to two from Saudi – Al Hilal and Al Shabab.

Both the Saudi clubs, however, topped their respective groups while only Zob Ahan managed to win Group B.

Zob Ahan will meet Mes Kerman in the R16 encounter but it remains to be seen whether Esteghlal will be able to add another away victory over the Saudis when they face Al Shabab on May 11.