Omar Abdulrahman, the Al Ain playmaker, insists his side can still advance to the Asian Champions League final despite a heavy first-leg loss in their semi-final against Al Hilal.
The UAE club, who were continental champions in 2003, face a difficult task after being dispatched 3-0 by their Saudi Arabian opponents at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh on Tuesday night.
On what was a nasty night for Al Ain, goalkeeper Khalid Essa was sent off for bringing down Nawaf Al Abed in the box, although Dawoud Sulaiman, his replacement, saved the resultant penalty from Thiago Neves.
“I congratulate Al Hilal on their performance and hard luck to our team, but this was just the first half and it’s gone,” Abdulrahman said. “Just as they scored three today, we can score three [in the second leg], but today they were the better team.
“In the first half we were in control, but, in the second, after we conceded, the fact they were playing at home and in front of their fans gave them a lift and they outplayed us.
“But, as I say, there is still another half to play.”
Abdulrahman dismissed suggestions Al Ain had been creators of their own downfall, as they conceded three goals in the space of 10 second-half minutes.
Asked if Al Ain had overcommitted in attack and were subsequently caught out, the UAE international said: “Not at all. As the home team, scoring that first goal gave them a huge incentive to go for the second, and, as you saw, they controlled the match at the end.
“We need to forget this match and hopefully in the return leg in Al Ain we can be as successful as they were today.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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