DUBAI — Shabab Al-Ahli maintained their perfect start to the AFC Champions League Elite campaign on Tuesday evening, securing a 2-0 victory over Iran’s Esteghlal Tehran at the Rashid Stadium. The result propels the Emirati side to nine points from three matches, placing them level with fellow UAE club Al-Ain at the top of the Western Zone group standings.
The match was defined by a late offensive surge from the hosts, orchestrated largely by the playmaking of Sardar Azmoun. After a scoreless first hour, the deadlock was broken in the 69th minute. Azmoun delivered a precise pass to find Matheusão, who swept the ball into the net with a first-time finish to give Shabab Al-Ahli the lead.
Azmoun turned creator once again in the 84th minute to secure the insurance goal. He picked out Brazilian attacker Juan Bezerra—also identified as Pezzella—who fired a low, right-footed shot past the Esteghlal goalkeeper. The strike marked a significant personal milestone for Bezerra, as it was his first goal for the club since completing a transfer from Egyptian side Zamalek during the summer window.
With three consecutive wins in the continental tournament, Shabab Al-Ahli currently sits second in the Western Zone on goal difference alone. The victory sets up a high-stakes encounter next Tuesday, when the team travels to Riyadh to face Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal at the Kingdom Arena.
The upcoming match could prove pivotal in determining the top seed of the league phase. Al-Hilal, who were scheduled to play Qatar’s Al-Shamal in their third-round fixture on Tuesday, are also in a position to reach nine points. A win for the Saudi side would create a three-way race at the summit of the standings as the competition moves into its fourth round.
