AFC Champions League Elite
Benkhaleq’s cross set up Houssine Rahimi’s 70th-minute winner, with the defender saying that Al Ain had to dig deep after their 3-2 extra-time defeat to Shabab Al Ahli in the UAE President’s Cup three days earlier.
#ACLElite | Al Ain FC (UAE) 2-1 Tractor FC (IRN)
“It was an important win, and these three points help us stay at the top of the standings. Credit goes to my teammates for their tremendous effort, especially after the difficult 120-minute match we played three days ago,” said Benkhaleq, who was named Player of the Match.
“The players knew they had to put in extra effort despite the fatigue to maintain our positive results. We look forward to performing even better in the matches ahead.”
“The players knew they had to put in extra effort despite the fatigue to maintain our positive results. We look forward to performing even better in the matches ahead.”
Head coach Vladimir Ivic acknowledged the demands on both teams, but commended his players’ professionalism.
“We are pleased with the three points, and I congratulate the players on a professional performance,” said Ivic. “It was a difficult match for both teams. We are pleased with the three points, and I congratulate the players on a professional performance.”’
“We will face strong teams with quality players, but we are ready for the challenge. We have won our first three matches, with five still to play, and we will take each game as it comes.
Tractor head coach Javad Nekounam felt his side had the better of the contest.
“We had watched Al Ain’s matches and knew their strengths. For around 70 minutes, we played better and forced them to defend. We created several chances, but Al Ain were professional and clever, and took their chances,” said Nekounam.
“We lost three key players before this match, while two others are injured. We also face travel difficulties and do not have enough players to compete under these conditions.
“If we were playing at home, 80,000 people would come to support us. We can beat any team on our own ground."
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