Name: Esteghlal secures knockout stage spot with 3-0 win over Al-Muharraq
Uploaded: 2025-12-26T16:51:35.999Z
Duration: 44 s
Description: Esteghlal advanced to the AFC Champions League 2 knockout stages after a decisive 3-0 victory against Al-Muharraq at the Sheikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa stadium.

Esteghlal advanced to the AFC Champions League 2 knockout stages after a decisive 3-0 victory against Al-Muharraq at the Sheikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa stadium.

Arad

Esteghlal achieved a 3-0 victory over Al-Muharraq at the Sheikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa stadium, ensuring their progression to the round of 16 in the AFC Champions League 2. Ismail Kholizadi opened the scoring in the first half, while Dukkan's Nazan and Jasir Hassani added goals late in the match.

Al-Muharraq's chances diminished after Waleed Al-Hayem was sent off for a second yellow card in the second half, leaving the team with 10 men. Esteghlal capitalized on their advantage, securing a comprehensive win and advancing to the tournament's knockout stages.

Esteghlal secures knockout stage spot with 3-0 win over Al-Muharraq

At the Sheikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa stadium, Esteghlal needed a result to reach the round of 16, and they delivered from the start. Ismail Kholizadi broke the deadlock on 15 minutes, giving the Iranian visitors the perfect platform. The second half brought more drama as Al-Muharraq's hopes took a crushing blow when Waleed Al-Hayem saw red for a second yellow card on the hour mark. Down to 10 men, the hosts couldn't contain Esteghlal's attacking threat. Dukkan's Nazan doubled the lead with 8 minutes remaining, before Jasir Hassani added the gloss in the 87th minute. The comprehensive 3-0 victory sends Esteghlal through to the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League 2.

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