Iran press/ Iran news: Following a goalless first half at the Kashima Soccer Stadium, Brazilian duo Leo Silva and Serginho scored to ensure Kashima Antlers take a two-goal advantage over Iran's Persepolis on Saturday.
Leo Silva and Serginho scored second half goals on Saturday as Kashima Antlers beat Iran's Persepolis 2-0 in the first leg of the Asian Champions League final, the Associated Press reported.
Despite many expecting them to adopt a conservative approach as the away side, Persepolis began the game showing plenty of adventure and created the better openings early on.
Persepolis is aiming to become the first Iranian team to win the championship.
Persepolis striker Ali Alipour is his team’s top marksman, scoring five goals in the competition so far and his pace on the break will pose a threat to Kashima.
Also, Persepolis goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand grabbed global headlines after a superb FIFA World Cup and, as the last line of defense, will be looking to again shine on the biggest stage. In front of him is Jalal Hosseini, the veteran Persepolis captain who may view the final as his last chance of continental glory.
Persepolis have won Iran domestic league back-to-back titles and also are favorites to win the trophy for the third successive year.
Related news:
Defending champion ,Persepolis ,claimed Iran's Professional League (IPL) trophy
The AFC Champions League in a message hailed large number of fans who headed to Kashima Soccer Stadium to watch the match between Iran's Perspolis and Japan's Kashima, IRNA reported.
Earlier, the Iranian Embassy in Japan said in a message that the football match between Iran's Perspolis and Japan's Kashima Antlers will be an opportunity for reinforcing friendship between Iran and Japan.It would be a valuable chance for strengthening friendship between the two countries, the Iranian diplomatic mission added.
Iranian teams Sepahan in 2007 and Zob Ahan in 2010 reached the final but both ended up losing to East Asian oppositions and now, well-prepared Persepolis, are going to make history in the prestigious competition under guidance of Branko Ivankovic.
Persepolis qualified for the final with a 2-1 aggregate victory against Qatar club Al Sadd SC in the semi-finals. An important 1-0 win away from home was secured with a late Ali Alipur penalty, the Iran club holding on with a 1-1 draw at home with Siamak Nemati’s equalizer getting it done.
Read More:
Persepolis advance to final of the AFC Champions League 2018 with 1-1 draw
Elsewhere, Kashima advanced to the final with a thrilling 6-5 aggregate win against Suwon Bluewings. A 3-2 home win was followed by a 3-3 draw in South Korea. The Japanese club were 3-1 down in the second leg but goals to Daigo Nishi and Serginho gave them a famous draw to qualify for the final, the-afc.com reported.
The second leg of the final is Nov. 10 at Azadi Stadium in Tehran.
Several hundred international delegates and guests are expected to attend the match in Tehran.
101/201
Read More:
Iran’s football legend, Ali Daei, has been chosen as best striker in the history of AFC Asian Cup by AFC website users.
Iran defend AFC Women's Futsal Championship title
