ACL 2017 Play-Off: Esteghlal vs. Al Sadd [Preview]

AFC – TEHRAN, With a total of four Asian championships between them, the 2017 AFC Champions League Play-off showdown between Esteghlal and Al Sadd at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium is certain to be one to savour with a place in Group A on the line.

In the AFC Champions League era, Tuesday’s hosts Esteghlal have represented Iran seven times – second only to Sepahan – although the two-time Asian Club Championship winners have not gone further than the semi-finals (2013).

Like Esteghlal, Al Sadd missed out on the 2016 edition but the Qataris – continental champions in 1989 and 2011 – will be keen to return to the highest level of Asian club football. And with former Barcelona veteran Xavi pulling the strings in midfield, 2017 could be a campaign to remember.