Having last appeared in the competition in 2015, the Iranian side returns to the AFC Champions League group stage for the fourth time in its history after 2006, 2014 and 2015. Meanwhile Al-Ain misses out for only the fourth time after 2008, 2009 and 2012.
Saleh Hardani opened the scoring for Foolad in the 41st minute. Brazilian forward Chimba made it 2-0 four minutes into the second half. Ayanda Patosi scored Foolad’s third goal in the 56th minute and Chimba was on target once again with four minutes remaining.
Foolad joins Qatar’s Al-Sadd, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr and Jordan’s Al-Wehdat in Group D of the 2021 AFC Champions League.