The football team Esteghlal defeated Al-Sadd from Qatar with a score of 3-0 in the first match of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 tournament. The game took place at the Basra International Stadium in Tehran on Monday.
The first goal for the Iranian side was scored by Jasir Asani in the ninth minute, taking advantage of a defensive error by the opponent. Later, Said Saharkhizan increased the team's lead two minutes after halftime, and Esmail Golizedash sealed the victory five minutes before the end of regular time.
Although the match was largely controlled by the champions of the Qatari league, Esteghlal failed to convert its chances due to weak finishing; one shot hit the target but was disallowed after a review by the video assistant referee (VAR).
The Qatari team started the game more confidently, but it was Esteghlal that scored the first goal in the ninth minute. A poor pass from Claudinho allowed Asani to receive the ball, which he dribbled past defender Bualem Houkhi and powerfully shot past Meshaal Barsham.
The 2011 champions gradually recovered. Roberto Firmino struck a cross from Hashim Ali in the 19th minute, but the ball went over the crossbar. Ten minutes later, the Brazilian set up Claudinho, but the forward shot wide of the right post, passing the defense.
Firmino posed a threat with a shot from just outside the penalty area in the 35th minute, forcing goalkeeper Habib Abbasi to make a difficult save, while Al-Sadd advanced in search of an equalizer but failed.
A counterattack by the nine-time champions of Iran in the 42nd minute led to Barsham heading a strong shot by Amir Mohammad Razzagini near the penalty area, after which Firmino finished the attack, sending the ball past the left post.
Saharkhizan gave Esteghlal an ideal start in the second half, receiving a penetrating pass from Asani in the second minute, avoiding a tackle by Paulo Otavio, and shooting the ball between Barsham's legs into the left corner.
Al-Sadd hoped to reduce the score in the 57th minute when Firmino took a shot from close range, but the goal was annulled after a VAR check due to a handball by Yusuf Abdurisaq.
Golizedash made the game unattainable for Al-Sadd in the fifth minute of added time, receiving a cross from Mohammadhossein Eslami, slipping between two defenders, and sending the ball past Barsham.
