ACL MD3 – Group A: Sepahan vs. Lokomotiv [Preview]

AFC – ISFAHAN, Sepahan coach Igor Stimac claims Tuesday’s AFC Champions League Group A encounter with Uzbekistan’s Lokomotiv will be “decisive” ahead of the clash at Foolad Shahr Stadium.

The Iranian champions suffered a 2-0 defeat to Al Nasr on Matchday Two earlier this month after defeating the side from the United Arab Emirates by the same scoreline in Isfahan in their group opener.

But Sepahan ended a 10-game winless run in the Persian Gulf Pro League with a 1-0 away win at Siah Jamegan on Thursday ahead of the visit of unbeaten Lokomotiv.

“Tuesday’s game is very important and I believe it will be decisive so we are looking for the win,” said Croatian Stimac (pictured).

“We are facing a team that could be called a version of Uzbekistan’s national side. We have analysed all their games and they play very good football.

“Uzbekistan’s league has just started, and we will not underestimate them because they have a good team.

“But I am only thinking about winning the game and we will do whatever is necessary to do so.”

Opponents Lokomotiv, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in Group A after playing out back-to-back 1-1 draws with two-time AFC Champions League winners Al Ittihad.

A last-minute goal by midfielder Sardor Mirzayev secured Lokomotiv a point in their group opener with Al Ittihad before Temurkhuja Abdukholikov again denied the Saudi Professional League side with his equaliser 10 minutes from time in Jeddah on Matchday Two earlier this month.

And with only a point separating the four sides in a closely-fought Group A, Lokomotiv will look to continue their impressive recent away form that has seen Andrey Miklyaev’s side win their opening two domestic league games since they last appeared in the continental competition.

“All the teams in the group have a chance of qualifying, but we have a tough task ahead of us because Sepahan have good players,” said coach Miklyaev, who will be without suspended midfielder Jasur Khasanov.

“If we can stop their four foreign players we can win this game. Their Brazilian (Luciano Pereira) is very strong. We have to put in a strong performance against this team; we are looking to win the match.

“They had not earned a victory in Iran’s league for some time before winning their last game. But they won their first AFC Champions League match and this tournament is different from league games.