Denizli fears away ACL Round of 16 clash

GOAL – TEHRAN, Persepolis coach Mustafa Denizli admits he fears the prospect of playing an AFC Champions League Round of 16 game away from home.

The Iranian giants slipped up 1-0 at home to Al Hilal on Tuesday, handing the Saudi Arabian side top spot in Group D with a one-point advantage ahead of the final matchday.

On matchday six, Al Hilal host third-placed Al Gharafa – who can still qualify – while Persepolis go to the eliminated Al Shabab.

“Today we weren’t lucky, but taking current circumstances into consideration, we most probably won’t be playing our round of 16 match at home, which is not good,” Denizli told reporters after the defeat in front of approximately 75,000 fans.

Meanwhile, Al Hilal boss Ivan Hasek felt his side could have scored more goals to put the game to bed.

“What we didn’t do in the game was that we could have scored more goals, but we didn’t,” Hasek said.

“Nothing is finished now because Piroozi still have the chance to lead the group again so we have to wait for the final matchday and see what happens at the end.”