Al Sadd are just one step away from qualifying for the Asian Champions League final, but with Iran’s Persepolis standing in their way, they would have to play out of their skins to get there.
A clash at the imposing and intimidating Azadi Stadium in Tehran is not for the faint-hearted. A crowd in excess of 60,000 spectators is expected to watch the match today that pitches two of the strongest teams in West Asia.
Persepolis had become the first team to defeat Al Sadd at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in the 2018 edition, after weathering an avalanche of Qatari attacks for 85 minutes and then hitting on the counter, forcing goalkeeper Saad al-Sheeb to concede a penalty that resulted in the winner.
Having edged the first leg, there’s no doubt Persepolis hold the advantage. 
Their defence-oriented approach – where they give their rivals no leeway – has worked well for them.
They are not known for flair or showmanship and believe in breaking down their opponents bit by bit, a fact evidenced by the narrow, gritty wins they are known for.
However, this strategy could sometimes boomerang, especially against Al Sadd, a team known for their free-flowing, attacking style. 
With a power-packed forward-line that boasts Baghdad Bounedjah and Akram Afif, Al Sadd can prove more than a handful for the best of defences.
In fact, Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira was pretty much certain that playing an attacking game was the only option they had.
“What would you do if you were in my place? We are one goal down and we are playing a must-win match. In such a scenario we have no option but to attack,” the veteran Portuguese tactician said. However, he also went on to add that things always don’t go according to plan.
“We learn from our experiences and try to implement a strategy but once the game starts things could change,” he said.
Reflecting on the narrow loss in the first leg, Ferreira said with a bit of luck things could have been different.
“In the first game we were not bad. We did everything in our power and so did Persepolis. But unfortunately, they had the luck. We hope luck is on our side in the game tomorrow.”
He also called for stricter refereeing, saying officials should see to it that Persepolis don’t indulge in gamesmanship and time-wasting tactics.
Al Sadd star Gabi, who has played in two European Champions League finals with Atletico Madrid, said he can’t wait to play in the Asian final.
“Playing the AFC Champions League final for Al Sadd will be something historic for me. It’s something that motivates me a great deal and I am looking forward to the match,” said the Spaniard.
“Everybody at Al Sadd have been wonderful and we look forward to creating history once again. The Azadi Stadium is similar to some of the biggest stadiums in Europe and the atmosphere will be electric. But we are ready for the gig occasion.” 
Prior to the semi-finals, Al Sadd had scored 20 goals in the competition, more goals than any of the other three semi-finalists, but they failed to add to their tally at home in the first leg, the first time Ferreira’s men failed to score at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in the 2018 AFC Champions League, and it cost them the result.
The 2011 champions face a difficult task to come away with a result from Azadi Stadium, but they are all too familiar with how to make it happen, having defeated Persepolis’ arch rivals, Esteghlal, 3-1 in Tehran in the quarter-final first leg, before settling for a 2-2 draw in Doha to advance to the next step.
The star of the two quarter-final legs was 21-year-old Akram Afif, the midfielder on loan from Spanish side Villarreal, who scored a goal apiece in each leg and was brought down inside the box for the penalty that allowed Baghdad Bounedjah to equalise in the first leg.
The Qatari international has been key for Al Sadd’s journey to the semi-finals, starting 10 of their 11 games in the competition and contributing two goals and three assists. A repeat of his performance against Esteghlal at Azadi Stadium today would go a long way towards helping Al Sadd turn the table on Persepolis.
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