Abu Dhabi: UAE’s Al Ain has been pitted against Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia in the quarter finals of the 2017 AFC Champions League following the knockout stage draw in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Al Ain will be playing the first leg against Al Hilal at home on August 21 and the return leg will be held on September 11. In the West Asia’s second quarter-final contest, Islamic Republic of Iran’s Persepolis will be taking on 2012 runners-up Al Ahli from Saudi Arabia.
Ahmad Humaid Al Mazroui, Deputy Chairman of Al Ain club, the representative at the draw said, “I think that all the teams which have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Champions League have an equal chance in the competition for the continental title.”
Al Mazroui went on to add that the team that wants to win the Champions League title needs to go ‘beyond all its rivals.’
“The fact that Al Ain has become a strong team in Asia is what has led it to achieving good results. The current generation has the experience in facing continental teams, and has great potential and strong desire to win the title and repeat the success of 2003, when Al Ain were crowned champions,” said Al Mazroui.
Al Hilal club’s team manager Faisal Al Farshan was of the view that the reputation and history of Al Ain will not weigh heavily on his team.
“Football is not based on history or previous achievements. Any team can deliver and achieve their desired goals. We are well aware of Al Ain Club’s strengths and what we are required to do during the next phase. Al Ain has a great team, but we are looking forward to a match worthy of the name and reputation of the two big clubs. I wish success to both,” said Al Farshan.
Meanwhile in East Asia, Shanghai SIPG will come up against domestic rivals and two-time AFC Champions League winners Guangzhou Evergrande, while Kawasaki Frontale have been drawn to face compatriots and 2007 winners Urawa Red Diamonds.
For the competition’s semi-finals, the winners of both QF1 and QF3 will host the first leg, with the winners of QF2 and QF4 due to host the return fixture. While for the final, the winners of SF1 - West Asia - will host the first leg, and the winner of SF2 - East Asia - will host the second leg.
Draw: West Quarter-final 1: August 21, First leg: Al Ain v Al Hilal, September 11, Second leg: Al Hilal v Al Ain
Quarter-final 2: August 22, First leg: Persepolis v Al Ahli (KSA), September 12, Second leg: Al Ahli (KSA) v Persepolis
Semi-final 1: September 26, First leg: Winner of QF1 v QF 2, October 17, Second leg: QF2 v QF1
East Quarter-final 3: August 22, First leg: Shanghai SIPG v Guangzhou Evergrande, September 12, Second leg: Guangzhou Evergrande v Shanghai SIPG
Quarter-final 4: August 23, First leg: Kawasaki Frontale v Urawa Red Diamonds, September 13, Second leg: Urawa Red Diamonds v Kawasaki Frontale
Semi-final 2: September 27, First leg: Winner of QF3 v QF4, October 18, Second leg: QF4 v QF3
2017 AFC Champions League Final: November 18, First leg: Winner of SF1 v SF2; November 25, Second leg: SF2 v SF1
