After posting their best AFC Champions League performance to date in reaching the 2016 semi-finals, Qatar’s El Jaish will be looking to build on last year’s campaign.
To do so, though, they must first overcome Uzbekistan’s Bunyodkor in today’s vital play-off clash. Runners-up in last season’s Qatar Stars League, El Jaish also enjoyed a superb continental campaign before their final four elimination by Al Ain.
With former Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita skippering the side, Sabri Lamouchi’s men will be hoping for another successful stint in Asia’s premier club competition.
By way of contrast, Bunyodkor have endured a tough time in recent years, having failed to progress beyond the Group Stage since 2014.
However, having twice reached the last four of the continental tournament in 2008 and 2012, the Uzbek side will be hoping a squad brimming with youthful talent will help recapture former glories.
Meanwhile, with a total of four Asian championships between them, the play-off showdown between Qatar’s Al Sadd and Esteghlal 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, today’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 for the side.
Xavi will be pulling the strings in the midfield for Qatar’s Al Sadd.
