Persepolis Fans Inspired Players for Final Push Insists Ivankovic

AFC – TEHRAN, Persepolis coach Branko Ivankovic thanked the team’s fans for the backing they gave his side as the Tehran club secured a place in the knockout rounds of the 2015 AFC Champions League with a 2-1 win over Bunyodkor on Wednesday.

An own goal by Obid Djurabaev sealed the win for Persepolis 18 minutes from time after Mohammad Noori had given his side the lead from the penalty spot four minutes into the second half only for Sardor Rashidov to level for the Uzbeks just after the hour mark.

But when Djurabaev put the ball in his own net, Persepolis guaranteed they joined Group A winners Lekhwiya in the last 16, where they will face Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in Tehran in the first leg on May 19.

“I would like to thank the fans who created a wonderful atmosphere for this game,” said Ivankovic (pictured), who guided Iran to the finals of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

“My players fought until the end as they were dying from exhaustion in the dressing room. I’m proud of our fans who gave such enthusiasm to my players.

“We played a wonderful match and put Bunyodkor under pressure from the beginning. When there are a lot of players in defence it’s very difficult to make opportunities on goal but fortunately we got the three points.”

Ivankovic praised his team for overcoming a difficult group as well as surpassing internal issues within the club, including a change of coach midway through the group stage that saw the Croatian take the helm in April.

“We were in the toughest group alongside with the Saudi Arabian champions, the Qatar champions and the best team in Uzbekistan,” he said. “Despite a lot of problems inside the club we managed to get the three points.

“Now, we have the same chance against Al Hilal which I believe is a better team than Al Nassr.

“Before the game against Al Hilal we have two games in the league, and one of those is against Esteghlal. After that, we will focus on Al Hilal. I’m completely satisfied with my player’s performance and I’m proud of them.”

Bunyodkor coach Sergey Lushan was left to reflect on a disappointing campaign that saw the Uzbek side finish bottom of the group having collected just one point from their six games.

“My team played well as we made several chances on goal,” he said. “I want to thank my players for this brilliant performance while I wish Persepolis the best in the next rounds. It was such an honour for me to coach my team in front of 100,000 fans and I’m happy to take this chance.

“As we have a lot of young players I wanted to give this chance to them to experience such an atmosphere in an international match.

“Mistakes and errors are common in football. We had a couple of problems in the squad, so we have to use a striker in the defensive line and when you use a player in the wrong place you can’t except good performances.”