Persepolis Faces Al Nassr in Crucial AFC Champions League Clash

TEHRAN, Iran – Persepolis will host Al Nassr FC on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Azadi Stadium, in a decisive match for both teams’ aspirations in the AFC Champions League Elite stage. Persepolis needs a victory to boost their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds after a turbulent campaign under new coach Ismail Kartal.

The Iranian club has endured ups and downs this season, currently sitting ninth in the standings with just six points from seven games. Their last outing resulted in a disappointing 4-1 loss against Al-Hilal, raising the stakes for this crucial fixture. Persepolis’ recent struggles have included defensive lapses, highlighted by four goals conceded before halftime in their defeat to Al-Hilal.

To avoid elimination, Persepolis must secure a win against Al Nassr, although a draw may suffice depending on other results in the group. Kartal’s side is hoping for a renewed performance after managing only one point per game since his arrival in late January.

In contrast, Al Nassr enters the match in formidable form, having already clinched a spot in the knockout rounds. With a recent victory over Al-Wasl (4-0) showcasing their attacking prowess, including two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr aims to maintain momentum as they wrap up their group-stage campaign.

“We’re focused on finishing strong and carrying this form into the knockout stages,” said Al Nassr’s coach. “Every match counts, and we respect our opponents.”

In terms of squad dynamics, Persepolis will be without key players Milad Sarlak, Oston Urunov, and Saeed Sadeghi, while Al Nassr may miss Sultan Al Ghannam and Otavio due to injuries. This limited pool of options complicates the home side’s tactical approach, particularly against a talented Al Nassr squad.

The match will kick off at 11 a.m. ET (8 a.m. PT) and will be available to stream on platforms including OneFootball and Paramount+. Fans internationally may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) to access their usual streaming services.

Looking ahead, both teams have a history of competitive matches, with Al Nassr holding a slight edge in recent encounters. The home support at Azadi Stadium could be crucial for Persepolis as they strive to overturn recent trends. Each side is expected to field strong formations, indicating a potential thrilling match filled with attacking play and strategic depth.