Tasnim - Iranian Persepolis football team coach Branko Ivankovic is optimistic about booking a place in the AFC Champions League next round.

Persepolis edged Al Hilal in first leg of Round of 16 in Tehran thanks to an injury time own goal by Brazilian defender Digao.

“We’ve defeated Al Hilal in the first leg at the Azadi Stadium. In my opinion Persepolis has a good chance to qualify for the next stage,” Branko Ivankovic said.

“As I said before, Al Hilal is the best team in Asia. They are strong in defense, midfield and attack as well but there is no excuse for us. Persepolis is going to advance to the next stage,” the Croat added.

Thiago Neves and Nasser Al-Shamrani, who were absent in the first leg, will play for Al Hilal.

Al Hilal will host Persepolis on Tuesday in Riyadh’s King Fahad Stadium.