Al Nasr earn debut bow in knockout stages of AFC Champions League

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  • Nasr's Luis Jimenez (r) in action.

    Al Nasr made it third time lucky on Wednesday night as they edged into the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League for a historic first time.

    Mutual success was the key to this concluding match, a predictable goalless draw at Lokomotiv Tashkent helpfully sending both sides through to the round of 16.

    In front of a sparsely-attended Bunyodkor Stadium, a game of zero notable chances ensconced the pair in the top two positions of Group A to the detriment of advancing Al Ittihad.

    Nasr – who join regulars Al Ain in the next phase – will actually feel the more fortunate for finishing second, this result meaning Iran’s Tractor Sazi are up next rather than Saudi Arabian heavyweights Al Hilal.

    In a season which has delivered only frustration domestically, the fact that the abysmal previous continental campaigns of 2012 and 2013 can be consigned to the past provides a notable highlight for the Blue Wave. Come through the double header later this month, and coach Ivan Jovanovic can look forward to adding extra attacking vigour to a squad badly in need of some inspiration during the summer.

    This was typical viewing from the Serbian’s side, who all too often embody the maxim ‘a means to an end’. But he is is not likely to care about the dreary fashion in which this landmark moment was achieved.

    Their approach to stay compact and cede possession helped last night and ensures they will be no pushovers in the remainder of the competition, with a talented Lokomotiv side proving unable to pick up any steam.

    The hosts boast nine members of the Uzbekistan squad which is tipped to compete for a spot at World Cup 2018. This quality was not on show during a contest detailed by harmless long-range efforts, and was a near-repeat of the 1-1 draw from the previous meeting between them.

    Only twice was UAE reserve Ahmed Shambieh called into serious action. He tipped away forward Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov’s low attempt on 26 minutes, before repelling a stinging shot from midfielder Sanjar Shaakhmedov just after the break.

    The pace dropped even further as both sides glimpsed the next round. The final whistle then brought joy and a spot in Nasr’s record books for this unheralded group.

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