Al Nassr hold Persepolis to goalless draw, leaving Iranian side's knockout hopes in doubt
TEHRAN — A much-rotated Al Nassr Club held Persepolis to a goalless draw on Monday, leaving the Iranian side's AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 knockout stage hopes hanging in the balance. The draw moved Persepolis into eighth place in the West Zone standings, but their fate remains uncertain, with Qatar's Al Gharafa and fellow Iranian side Esteghlal FC poised to overtake them if they secure wins in their final group-stage matches. Persepolis aimed for a strong start, encouraged by the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jhon Duran from Al Nassr's matchday squad, while stars Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte started on the bench.The home side's early intent was evident when Milad Mohammadi surged forward from the left-back position in the eighth minute, delivering a low cross that Farshad Ahmadzadeh narrowly missed at the far post, with Al Nassr goalkeeper Raghid Najjar unable to react. Despite Persepolis' energetic start, Al Nassr gradually gained control, with Marcelo Brozovic dictating play in midfield.The Iranian side, however, regained momentum towards the end of the first half, with Mohammad Khodabandelho forcing Najjar into a diving save in the 34th minute, while Hossein Kanani and Omid Alishah saw their attempts easily dealt with as the match remained scoreless at halftime. The second half was slow to ignite, with the wet conditions at Azadi Stadium creating an opening for Serdar Dusun, who failed to capitalize after Brozovic slipped in possession. Al Nassr nearly took the lead minutes later when Angelo was played through on goal, but Persepolis goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz reacted swiftly to block the initial attempt before securing the loose ball ahead of Brozovic.
Persepolis struggled to create further clear-cut chances, leaving their progression in the tournament uncertain as they now await results from their West Zone rivals.
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