Analysis: Persepolis dig deep to claim ‘backs-to-the-wall’ win

AFC – DOHA, Islamic Republic of Iran’s Persepolis ground out a 1-0 in Qatar to secure AFC Champions League progression, overcoming a Lekhwiya side who will feel they deserved more from the game.

Lekhwiya enjoyed 58.1 percent of the ball and 10 shots from inside the area (to their opponents’two) yet were unable to make a breakthrough against a stubborn defensive unit.

In the face of such attacking pressure, Persepolis stood tall defensively to claim their narrow victory and advance to the quarter-final stage.

Mohammad Ansari leads the way for Persepolis
Persepolis had to cope with a Lekhwiya onslaught to maintain their slight advantage, with an astonishing 40 crosses raining into their area over the course of 90 minutes.

The Iranian defensive effort was led by defender Mohammad Ansari whose individual contribution of 12 clearances (shown), one block, nine interceptions and five ball recoveries was by some distance the game’s best.

Assisted by team-mate and central defensive partner Seyed Hosseini, who made one particularly important block to deny Yousef El Arabi, Ansari ensured Persepolis consistently repelled Lekhwiya’s attacks.

Overall, Persepolis won 55.8 percent of aerial duels and 56.1 percent of all duels on the night in a show of defensive strength.

Poor cross accuracy hinders Lekhwiya
For all of Persepolis’ defensive efforts, they were greatly assisted by a Lekhwiya side who struggled to find targets in the area despite the incredible number of crosses they attempted.

While the statistics may show a 12.5 percent completion ration from the side’s 40 crosses, the reality is that just one of the crosses attempted found a team-mate in the penalty box (the other successful crosses ending outside the area).

From 28 crosses attempted in open play, just two found a Lekhwiya player, with the majority leading to a loss of possession for their side.

It was not just from wide areas that Lekhwiya showed a costly lack of composure, with just two of their 12 shots ending on target—despite 10 of those 12 efforts coming from within the penalty area.

Energy across the team keeps Persepolis in the game
While the back four will take much credit for an invaluable shutout, the defensive contributions started from the very front of the team—with all eleven players contributing.

Persepolis made a remarkable 38 interceptions (shown) over the course of the game, which combined with their high success rate in duels across the park made it harder for Lekhwiya to advance up the pitch.

Central midfielder Soroush Rafiei was often the instigator for the Persepolis press, making 11 recoveries and four interceptions in the middle of the park—instigating several attacks from transitional play.

Despite conceding the possessional advantage, Persepolis’ fast attacks prompted Lekhwiya into 13 fouls to relieve pressure and as many shots on target as their opponents (two). It was from such a fast attack that their goal eventually came.