Abu Dhabi: Ahead of the hotly anticipated 2017 AFC Champions League semi-final between two of the continent’s most popular clubs, Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and Islamic Republic of Iran’s Persepolis, we listened to passionate fans of both clubs as they shared their views of their teams, rivals and the task ahead on Tuesday.
Mohamed Fayad (Al Hilal)
As an Al Hilal fan, what would winning the AFC Champions League mean to you?
It means everything. Fans know that the AFC Champions League is the biggest and only trophy that is left for Al Hilal. We have won the Asian Club Championship but yet to lift the trophy in the AFC Champions League format.
Al Hilal defeated Jubilo Iwata to win the 1999-2000 Asian Club Championship
It is also important because it takes us to the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time. This will make us arguably the best Middle Eastern football club of all time.
Al Hilal came very close to winning the AFC Champions League, losing the final in 2014 and the semi-final in 2015. Can the current team go one further and lift the title this time? Why?
This team can go one further because of the manager Ramon Diaz and Carlos Eduardo being in his prime. He can lead the side alone.
How do you see the team under Ramon Diaz? What has he improved about the team and what issues is he yet to tackle?
He has improved the attack of the team, we have become one of the most dangerous sides in Asia. However, he has to deal with the Saudi players’ tendency to crumble under pressure.
What are your predictions for the semi-final (for both legs)?
It will be goalless in the first leg, but we will get a 2-0 win in the second leg.
What worries you as Al Hilal’s biggest weakness against Persepolis?
Central defence. You can never rely on Osama Hawsawi’s partner to always perform well.
Siavash Rahmani (Persepolis)
As a Persepolis fan, what are Al Hilal's strengths and weaknesses?
Al Hilal is a consistent team. They take advantage of their frontline strikers who have scored numerous goals this season.
But Persepolis has experience of playing against this team. They faced Al Hilal two times in the 2017 group stage. Persepolis gave a great performance in both matches and deserved to win.
Although they only took two points from those matches, they were the dominant side of the games which give them enough confidence when they face Al Hilal again.
Who are their key players and why?
Carlos Eduardo and Omar Khribin are dangerous players in Saudi side which [coach] Branko Ivankovic need to do something about them.
Who are Persepolis' key players and why?
Persepolis is missing Kamyabinia and Ansari as they are suspended. But our captain, Jalal Hosseini will come back to the team squad which makes our defense line more reliable. Godwin Mensha and Farshad Ahmadzadeh can change the result for Persepolis in approaching match.
Summer signing Godwin Mensha has made an impact since joining Persepolis
Where do you think the game will be won and lost?
First leg will be held in Abu Dhabi. We have huge number of fans there, who are coming from Dubai. Here we have won three of our matches in the current season, specially our last game against Ahli, which was epic.
Despite the fact that we are missing three key players, we should put an end to the Semi-finals in the first leg in Abi Dhabi. Then a draw can be enough for us in Oman!
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com