Al Nasr’s Luis Jimenez expects backlash from Tractor Sazi in ACL last-16 tie

Dubai club go to Iran for second-leg match with 4-1 lead as they attempt to qualify for first time for quarter-finals of Asian Champions League, writes John McAuley.

Luis Jimenez, left, is wary of Tractor Sazi after his Al Nasr side won the first leg of their last-16 tie 4-1. AFP

Luis Jimenez says Al Nasr should expect a “battle” against Iran’s Tractor Sazi on Tuesday as they attempt to qualify for the first time for the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League.

The Dubai club, never before beyond the group stages, take a 4-1 lead into the last-16 second leg in Tabriz after last week sweeping aside their opponents at Al Maktoum Stadium.

However, Nasr now face an entirely different proposition at Tractor’s typically intimidating Yadegar Emam Stadium, with the hosts certain to do everything in their power to overturn the deficit.

Tractor are a formidable side at home, winning two of this year’s Group C matches staged in Tabriz, including February’s 4-0 victory against Al Jazira. In four previous home games against UAE sides, Tractor are unbeaten, having won three, although no team has ever recovered from a three-goal deficit to triumph in a Champions League knockout tie.

Nevertheless, Jimenez is anticipating a daunting task on Tuesday night.

“For sure, they have nothing to lose and they’ll definitely try to win in their stadium,” he said. “They have good players, who are technical but are also physically very good. They are very, very strong – very tough.​“

Jimenez was a member of the Al Ahli side who last year progressed to the knockout stages for the first time in their history. He left for Nasr after helping their Dubai rivals seal a quarter-final place, and subsequently missed Ahli’s run to the final.

However, the Chilean attacking midfielder is looking to use that as motivation now, despite his future at Nasr uncertain. Although he has offers to return to his homeland this summer, before that Jimenez remains determined to help guide his team through to the last eight.

“Our first target was to pass the groups and we did that,” he said. “And now we want to pass the last 16 because we are close. For sure, I want to go as far in the tournament as possible. I’m very happy because I did it with Al Ahli last year and after they arrived in the final. Why not try that with Al Nasr?”

Teammate Jires Kembo Ekoko said Nasr go into the match in confident mood after last week’s convincing victory, while he rejected suggestions his side will crumble in the white-hot heat of Tractor’s 70,000 capacity stadium.

“The match is important for both teams,” Kembo Ekoko said. “We now know each other well, and both have a desire to get through to the quarter-finals.

“Our team will focus on enjoying ourselves and playing our football, just as we did in the last match without regard to any other things.

“We are used to the presence of large crowds and it is always good to play football in front of them. Our primary goal is always to play in front of big audiences and achieve the desired result.”

Nasr are sweating on the fitness of Nilmar, the Brazilian striker who limped out of the first leg with an ankle injury. Should he not recover in time, Salem Saleh will most probably get the nod following his two goals as substitute last week.

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