Analysis: Esteghlal patience helps earn late breakthrough

AFC – TEHRAN, Islamic Republic of Iran’s Esteghlal claimed a late 1-0 victory over 2016 AFC Champions League finalist’s Al Ain of the UAE on Monday in a display marked by defensive resilience and determination.

In the face of high Al Ain levels of possession, Esteghlal’s compact defensive structure greatly limited their opponents’ attacking opportunities before striking at the death themselves to secure victory.

For coach Alireza Mansourian, it was vindication of his pragmatic approach to the tie.

Esteghlal sit deep and prosper
Esteghlal may have been forced to wait until the final moments of the encounter for their breakthrough, but the game plan throughout had been to remain patient and try to make the most of whatever attacking opportunities fell their way.

In particular, in the first half of the encounter 40 percent of the game was played in Esteghlal’s final third of the pitch—with Al Ain enjoying 59.1 percent of the possession in that period.

While that balance improved in the second half, with a drop to just 25.5 percent of the clash being played in their defensive zones, Esteghlal were content to soak up the pressure their visitors could offer.

The plan was executed perfectly, limiting Al Ain to just one shot on target—seven shots in total—as Esteghlal then made the most of their late opportunity to win the game.

Omar Abdulrahman threat nullified
Omar Abdulrahman is so often Al Ain’s shining light in such matches, but a change of approach to use the playmaker as the side’s most advanced player limited his impact on the night.

Al Ain have become accustomed to everything flowing through their No. 10, but Esteghlal limited Abdulrahman’s impact to just zero chances created and just two shots at goal from narrow angles.

His passing accuracy on the night was also a disappointing 54.9 percent.

Abdulrahman’s risk-heavy style of football can lead to frequently conceding possession, but by his own high standards it was a disappointing outing.

He lost out in 46 percent of his duels (6/13) over the course of the 90 minutes.

Having been directly involved in seven of Al Ain’s past eight goals in the competition (three goals, four assists)

Farshid Bagheri leads defensive effort
Esteghlal’s rearguard success was built upon the industry of their defensive block, with four central players staying deep at all times while their full-backs pushed forward on the flanks.

A lot of the defensive onus fell upon the side’s defensive midfielders, with Farshid Bagheri in particular responsible for tracking Abdulrahman and protecting his back four.

Bagheri made an impressive 13 recoveries over the course of the 90 minutes, winning 11 duels and making seven tackles as Esteghlal held firm in the face of Al Ain pressure.

With his centre-backs also ensuring minimal space in the area for Al Ain’s forwards, Bagheri and colleague Majid Hosseini’s efforts went a long way to ensuring a shutout was achieved.