"I'm happy that we were able to get the three points. I said before the game that the players' performance on the pitch is important. We deserved to win and we had good quality,” said Manuel.

The Bahraini side controlled much of the encounter but needed to defend in the closing stages as Esteghlal pushed for the equaliser.

"We controlled the game and deserved to get three points. Of course, Esteghlal had some chances towards the end of the game and we were lucky they did not score.

“We never came for a draw, and it was normal if we defended for some minutes because we were playing away. We had to play with strategy to get the three points, which we achieved."

Esteghlal, meanwhile, were left bottom of the group after a second consecutive defeat and head coach Ricardo Sapinto voiced his frustration at the outcome.

“This result is not normal or fair. We had 70 percent of possession. We created many chances. Maybe they weren't great chances but at least we shouldn't lose the game. It was a good game and we deserved more than this,” said Sapinto.

“We had worked on the defensive weaknesses during the week but we conceded again. Small mistakes punish a team. The players played well and the least we should have done was not lose.”

Esteghlal next face Jordanian side Al Wehdat, who are also searching for their first win, while Al Muharraq host Al Wasl.