Doha: Qatar’s Al Rayyan SC fought back to hold Persepolis FC of Islamic Republic of Iran to a 1-1 draw in their 2024-2025 AFC Champions League Elite fifth round (West Zone) match at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium of Al Rayyan club on Monday.
Al Rayyan overcame their lackluster domestic performance and demonstrated significant resolve to secure their fourth point of the campaign, while Persepolis remains one point behind, as the top eight teams from the West Zone advance to the knockout stage.
Persepolis started the match with assurance, quickly taking the lead when Ali Alipour redirected a corner kick towards Farshad Faraji, who headed the ball past Paulo Victor in the 17th minute.
Al Rayyan regrouped, with Roger Guedes coming close in the 27th minute, delivering a low shot from distance that was expertly saved by Persepolis goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz.
The visitors nearly extended their advantage seven minutes before halftime when Farshad Ahmadzadeh skillfully maneuvered into the box, but the 32-year-old midfielder failed to direct his shot on target.
Al Rayyan began the second half positively, with two headed attempts from Andre Amaro that narrowly missed the goal, followed by a saved effort from Ameed Mahajneh, which was again thwarted by Guendouz.
Despite the warning signs, Persepolis could not maintain their lead, as Achraf Bencharki equalized with a header from Abdel Aziz’s cross in the 57th minute.
Both teams pushed for a decisive goal in the closing moments, but ultimately, they settled for a draw.
Al Rayyan’s next match will be against UAE’s Al Wasl FC, while Persepolis will face Iraq’s Al Shorta, with both fixtures scheduled for the upcoming week.
