Esteghlal Flying the Flag for Iran in Asia

ISP- Vahedi-Nikbakht's last minute winner gave Esteghlal, and all the Iranians a sweet victory over Al-Ittihad and put Esteghlal in to the next round of Asian Club Championship.

It was a very disappointing start for Esteghlal in today's game, losing a very early goal to the Saudi side. But the estimated 70,000 fans in the Stadium cheered Esteghlal on for the rest of the game.

Al-Ittihad's goal came after only 5 minutes, with the Brazilian striker S. Rikardo scoring with a shot, with Esteghlal's defence failing to mark the Brazilian closely. Esteghlal pushed forward after the goal, and despite attacking for most of the half, the Saudi keeper and the rest of the defence held firm, despite Esteghlal winning 12 corners. The first half finished 0-1 for Al-Ittihad.

In the second half, Esteghlal increased their pressure on Al-Ittihad, and managed to win a penalty kick after 71 minutes, which Navazi converted with no problem.

Alireza Vahedi-Nikbakht

Esteghlal increased the pressure even more on Al-Ittihad's goal for the rest of the game, with only occasional counter attacks by the Saudi side. The game seemed to be heading toward a 1-1 final score, but in the third minute of the injury time, Navazi passed the ball to AkbarPour on the right side of the Al-Ittihad penalty box. He went passed one player and crossed the ball to the far post. Nikbakht jumped high, to meet the ball, and scored with a brilliant header. He ran towards the fans in the Azadi Stadium, and threw his top into the crowd. Even a last minute fight by the Saudi players didn't stop them losing to the Iranian Champions.

Esteghlal are now into the 3rd round of the Asian Club Championship, winning on away goals rule, after the tie ended 4-4.

Esteghlal: Tabatabaei, Khoramgah, HashemiNasab, Fekri, DinMohammadi, Khaziravi (Fatemi), AkbarPour, Vahedi-Nikbakht, BakhtiariZadeh, Navazi, MomenZadeh.

-- Ali Azim-Araghi (Ali.A)