Majidi brace downs Al Ahli in ACL [VIDEO]

PFDC – JEDDAH, A brace from veteran striker Farhad Majidi handed Esteghlal Tehran a sweet 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli in Jeddah in the two teams’ opening match of the 2010 AFC Champions League on Tuesday evening.

The 32-year-old former Rapid Vienna man shocked the hosts early in the game, when his header to a Fabio Januario cross beat the goalkeeper, just 12 minutes into the game.

Esteghlal pulled back after taking the lead and only defended against extremely dominant hosts who, however, failed to capitalize on any of their numerous good scoring chances.

The Iranians almost were rewarded for their ultra-defensive approach when shortly before halftime Khosro Heydari inscened Majidi, who perfectly dribbled past the last defender, however, failed to double the lead with only the keeper to beat.

Al Ahli continued to outplay Esteghlal in second half and the Blues were very lucky not to concede an equalizer, especially when the homeside failed to convert a rightfully awarded penalty kick. Mohammad Mohammadi, who replaced Vahid Talebloo today, had fouled sizzling winger Jizawi, but also saved Marcinho’s spotkick.

On the other side, Majidi missed another so called 100%er after a counter attack. Once again the nimble striker had gotten everything but the finishing touch right.

But 14 minutes from time the Esteghlal skipper showed why he had been recalled to the national team recently, when headed a pinpoint-cross from Heydari into the net to make it 2-0.

Majidi actually put the win beyond doubt shortly later, however, his third goal of the day was ruled offside, a clearly wrong decision.

The false call almost cost Esteghlal dearly, who finally conceded the very much overdue first goal, four minutes before the final whistle. After a good combination, Raheb headed a cross from the right past Mohammadi.

However, Esteghlal held on to the lead with much determination and luck and could thank Majidi, Mohammadi and the Saudi Arabian strikers for three points in the end.