Persepolis Boosted by Iran League Title, Says Resan


Persepolis Boosted by Iran League Title, Says Resan

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Midfielder Bashar Resan said winning the Iran Professional League title gave Persepolis the boost to defeat Saudi Arabia's Al Taawoun in its AFC Champions League Group C tie on Tuesday.

A late goal from Shojae Khalilzadeh goal gave Persepolis its first win of the competition and moved the team to two points behind Al-Taawoun, who remained on top despite the defeat.

Resan said Persepolis' runaway victory in the Iran Pro League fueled their desire to get the win.

“We went into the match with great motivation after winning the league title,” the 23-year-old Iraqi international told the-afc.com. “The AFC Champions League is a tough competition and it’s been a while since we played such high-level matches.

“We struggled a bit in the first half as there are five new players in our squad. However, our understanding improved in the second half and we managed to get the three points."

Resan said defeating the group leader meant Persepolis has a good chance of advancing to the knockout stage.

“Al-Taawoun is the group leader and it is a good side,” he said. “The most important thing for us was to win in order to remain in contention in such a difficult group.

“We have another match in three days against Al-Taawoun and we must play even better in order to fight for a place in the knockout stage."

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