The Al Ain team is counting on the experience and tactical superiority of its new coach, the Portuguese Leonardo Jardim, to revive its chances of qualifying for the round of 16 of the AFC Champions League (Elite), when it receives its guest, Al-Ahly Saudi Arabia, at six o’clock this evening, at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Within the fifth round, raising the slogan “There is no substitute for victory.”
The fortunes of Al Ain, the “defending champion,” were greatly complicated after they collected only one point from four rounds, which was the reason for the dismissal of the Argentine coach, Hernan Crespo, despite his leadership of “Al Zaeem” last season to ascend the throne of the Asian continent by achieving the second title in the history of the “Purple.” », knowing that the newcomer Jardim had previously won the title with his former team, Al-Hilal Saudi.
Jardim’s first test was with Al Ain in the ADNOC Professional League, in which he defeated Al Orouba 4-2, a match that was a good opportunity to learn about the capabilities of his new team’s players. He also brought in a group of players to prepare them, led by defender Khaled Al-Attas and Draman Kumari. While he relieved another group.
Although Al-Zaeem occupies last place in the Gharb region ranking table with one point, it is separated by only two points from Al-Rayyan of Qatar and Esteghlal of Tehran of Iran, who occupy seventh and eighth places, respectively, and are two positions that qualify for the second round.
On paper, the Al Ain team still has a chance of qualifying for the round of 16, but the reality will be difficult, as its rival, Al-Ahly, has not tasted defeat, and is at the top of the group with its compatriot Al-Hilal, with 12 points, having won all four of its matches.
Al-Ainaoui’s defense line will be required to outdo itself and avoid the fatal mistakes it keeps making, because it will have the task of stopping a group of international stars, such as the Algerian Riyad Mahrez, the Brazilian Roberto Firmino, the Englishman Ivan Toney, and the Ivory Coast’s Franck Kessie.
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