Chile star Jorge Valdivia insists Al Wahda head to Al Ahli on Friday fully confident of returning to Abu Dhabi with three points.
Cosmin Olaroiu’s title-chasing Red Knights sit just two points behind Arabian Gulf League leaders and reigning champions Al Ain, and the gap to fifth-placed Wahda is 15 points.
Valdivia is not concerned though and pointed to the Clarets’ recent form as proof that his side can beat Ahli on their own turf.
“We will play at their home but we are going there to grab the three points,” said the 32-year-old Valdivia, who has seen his side pick up two wins from their last three daunting encounters. They beat third-placed Al Nasr last week to cut the deficit to the team currently occupying the last AFC Champions League place to three points.
They succumbed to a narrow 2-1 defeat at the home of champions Al Ain prior to that and also beat Al Jazira 2-1 at the end of January.
Valdivia added: “We know they have very high quality players but on the opposite side I have faith in my team-mates and myself, because we are a strong team, you will see that from our last game against Al Nasr.”
Olaroiu admits he is wary of Wahda and feels Javier Aguirre’s side will be provide a stern test.
“Of all the clubs you see in the second round I think that Al Wahda will be the toughest competitor for us,” said the Romanian. “I think it’s going to be a tough match, because they are organised in a good way defensively, put pressure on the opponent, and offensively they have high-quality players like Ismail Matar and Sebastian Tagliabue.”
