Pervasive Victory of Persepolis Against Al-Sadd of Qatar

In the first leg of the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League, Persepolis managed to defeat their Qatari hosts Al-Sadd with a score of 1-0. Ali Alipour scored the decisive goal in the eighty-sixth minute from the penalty spot, which he earned himself after a quick run and a foul by the goalkeeper. After the regular time ended, the referee added six minutes of stoppage time, but Persepolis did not allow their opponents to score. Persepolis faced significant challenges with numerous injuries and suspensions, making it difficult to finalize their starting eleven. Mohammad Ansari and Kamal Kamyabinia missed the game due to suspensions, and Hossein Mahini was sidelined due to injury. Consequently, coach Branko was compelled to start Adam Hemati and to use Siamak Nemati for the first time in place of Mahini on the right side of the defense. Persepolis lost four players before the season began, and due to transfer window restrictions, they could not acquire new players. The match took place at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium and was officiated by a Sri Lankan referee, whose performance drew protests from both Persepolis players and occasionally the home team. Oswaldo Ferreira sent his players onto the field with an attacking lineup, but it was Persepolis that created the most significant chance in the first half. A golden opportunity set up by Bashar Resan was squandered by Godwin Mensah, who shot over the empty goal. In Al-Sadd's lineup were Saad Al-Sheeb, Pedro Miguel, Khokhi, Abdul Karim Hassan, Hamid Ismail, Gabi, Xavi, Wu Yong, Salem Al-Hajri, Akram Afif, and Baghdad Bounedjah. Persepolis started with Alireza Beiranvand, Seyed Jalal Hosseini, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Siamak Nemati, Shayan Mosallahi, Ahmad Nourallahi, Adam Hemati, Bashar Resan, Omid Alishah, Ali Alipour, and Godwin Mensah. Among them, Nemati and Alishah received yellow cards in the first half, and Beiranvand received one in the second half. The only yellow card for Al-Sadd was also received by their goalkeeper. The most critical opportunity for Al-Sadd in the first half came in the twentieth minute when Xavi's free-kick from the edge of the penalty area was deflected for a corner by Persepolis's defensive wall. Beiranvand shone in the first half with his high spirits and readiness, preventing any goals from crossing his line. The most significant moment before halftime was when he deflected a shot from national team player Akram Afif for a corner. The national team goalkeeper for Persepolis continued to make crucial saves in the second half. Persepolis and Al-Sadd had also played against each other in the group stage, with Al-Sadd winning in Doha and Persepolis winning at home. Manuel Ferreira, the Portuguese coach of Al-Sadd, is in his third year with the team and has won several domestic cups, which has contributed to his continued presence on the bench. Al-Sadd eliminated Esteghlal Tehran in the previous round, while Persepolis knocked out Al-Duhail of Qatar. The return match will take place three weeks later at Azadi Stadium. The winner of the two-legged tie will face the East Asian champion in the AFC Champions League final.