Persepolis boss: 6-1 win means nothing

GOAL – DUBAI, Persepolis coach Mustafa Denizli refused to dwell on his side’s 6-1 thrashing of Al Shabab earlier in this season’s AFC Champions League (ACL) ahead of Tuesday’s matchday six encounter between the sides in UAE.

The Tehran giants, who finished the Iranian season on Friday down in 12th, easily accounted for the UAE Pro-League club on matchday two, however Denizli said the result wasn’t expected and was taking nothing for granted ahead of Tuesday’s return clash.

“Al Shabab are a very good team and the big win that we had in the previous meeting against them was unexpected,” Denizli told reporters.

Persepolis aren’t assured of their place in the Round of 16 yet, sitting second in Group D on eight points, behind Al Hilal on nine points, while Al Gharafa – who travel to Riyadh – are third on six points.

“We will go into this game to get the three points as we always do in our matches. I hope that we can get a positive result which can help us to qualify,” Denizli said.

“We know the importance of this match and we have prepared very well.”

Al Shabab boss Paulo Bonamigo said despite already being eliminated, he hoped his side could finish the group campaign with their heads held high.

“We played well in our previous matches but we were not lucky,” he said. “Our team lost concentration in the final few minutes, both against Al Gharafa and Al Hilal.

“However, this is all part of the bigger experience that we have gained this year.”