Bottom faces top in Group D of the AFC Champions League when Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia takes on Iran’s Esteghlal at Kuwait Sports Club Stadium on Monday. Esteghlal is already assured of a place in the next round having beaten Al Rayyan 2-0 in early April, but the Iranian side must avoid defeat to […]
Bottom faces top in Group D of the AFC Champions League when Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia takes on Iran’s Esteghlal at Kuwait Sports Club Stadium on Monday.
Esteghlal is already assured of a place in the next round having beaten Al Rayyan 2-0 in early April, but the Iranian side must avoid defeat to win the group.
The two-time continental champion, who is without suspended duo Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Omid Ebrahimi, warmed up for the game with a 1-1 draw against Gostaresh Foolad Tabriz in the Iranian league last week.
Runner-up last year, Al Hilal’s form has dropped dramatically this time round and its 2-1 defeat in Al Ain on Matchday Five confirmed its early elimination.
The Saudi side goes into the game on a high, though, after a 4-1 win over Al Fateh secured the Saudi Pro League title on Thursday. Ali Al Bulayhi misses the game through suspension.
