Igor Castro Sends Iranians Into ACL Final [VIDEO]

A crisp Igor Castro finish just after half-time stunned the home side, as Zobahan grabbed a crucial away goal after Ghasem Hadadifar’s strike had given them a 1-0 win in Iran. Veteran defender Lee Young-Pyo was then sent off on 71 minutes after petulantly kicking an opponent.

The defeat marks the end of Eric Gerets’ reign as Al Hilal manager, as he departs now to take over the Moroccan national team, unable to secure a treble with the Saudi giants.

For Mansour Ebrahimzadeh’s side though the fairytale run continues on the continent, as they secured a famous result.

They are deserved winners after just over 180 minutes of football, nullifying one of the competition’s most impressive attacking units and always providing a goal-scoring threat of their own.

Despite boasting stars of international quality Al Hilal were unable to truly trouble their opponents, reduced to half-chances and ultimately ruing a missed penalty by Christian Wilhelmsson in the first leg.

The visitors came close to taking a 21st minute lead at the King Fahd International Stadium, Hadadifar’s low free-kick kept out well at the near-post by goalkeeper Hassan Al-Otaibi.

Al-Otaibi then had to deny Mohammad Khalatbari from close range before Ahmed Al Fraidi missed a wonderful chance for Al Hilal, blasting over from close range after the ball broke to him kindly in the box.

Defender Majed Al-Marshedi was similarly wayward with a header from a Thiago Neves corner, before the influential Brazilian saw a long-range effort of his own spilled by Shahab Gordan.

A mix of superb last-ditch defending and unimaginative attacking play saw Zobahan go into the break on level terms, though Gerets’ side emerged with a renewed energy after the break.

Moments into the second period Romania international Mirel Radoi saw his driven effort just clear the crossbar before talisman striker Yasser Al-Qahtani headed over.

Castro then punished Gerets’ side for their lack of incision in the final third, outmuscling Osama Hawsawi in the penalty area before turning and shooting past Al-Otaibi in one swift motion.

Minutes later the experienced Lee Young-Pyo inexplicably kicked out at Khalatbari after the striker sheperded the ball out of play for a teammate to receive treatment, effectively ending any chance of a late Al Hilal revival, allowing the Iranians to book their place in the final.