2021 ACL Group C: Esteghlal Downs Al-Shorta


2021 ACL Group C: Esteghlal Downs Al-Shorta

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Esteghlal defeated 10-man Al-Shorta of Iraq 3-0 on Matchday Two of the 2021 AFC Champions League Group C at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium Sunday night.

Al-Shorta had lost to Al Duhail 2-0 on Matchday 1 while Esteghlal overpowered Al-Ahli Saudi FC 5-2.

Al-Shorta suffered an early blow as it was reduced to 10 men after Hussam Kadhim received a straight red card for a violent challenge against Farshid Esmaeili just 11 minutes into the game.

Medhi Ghaedi produced a moment of magic one minute before the half time. Marked by two defenders out on the left flank, the Esteghlal starlet mustered a sublime scooped pass between his markers into the path of marauding left-back Mohammad Naderi who rifled home his second goal of the campaign to send his side into the dressing room with the lead.

The Iranians doubled their tally 10 minutes after the restart as Arash Rezavand sent a defense-splitting pass to Esmaeili who controlled on the turn and powered past Taleb into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

Al Shorta’s woes were compounded in the 65th minute as Esmaeili turned from scorer to provider, feeding Cheick Diabate on the edge of the area. The Malian striker outmuscled his marker and poked the ball at the near post to make it 3-0.

With no points from their first two games, Al-Shorta will face Al-Ahli on Matchday Three, while Esteghlal - with a perfect record - will look to extend its lead at the top of Group C when it faces Al-Duhail on Wednesday.

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