Al Ahli will be hoping to re-write the history books on Tuesday night as they seek to reach the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League for the very first time.
Only a win for will do against Tractor Sazi, as theybid.
The Red Knights can salvage a modicum of pride if they beat the side bottom of Group D and the result in the other game goes their way.
Nasaf are two points ahead of the UAE side in second but a draw in Uzbekistan, coupled with a home win at Rashid Stadium, will see the Dubai men reach the last 16 due to Ahli’s superior head-to-head record.
Ahli’s Saudi Arabian namesake have already won the group and even defeat in Uzbekistan cannot knock them off top spot.
Cosmin Olaroiu side’s league travails have, however, followed them into the Champions League where they have tasted victory just once, a 1-0 win on match day four against Nasaf.
Olaroiu will be without influential midfielder Majed Hassan after the UAE international was inexplicably sent off in the previous game against Al Ahli Jeddah.
The 22-year-old collected two yellow cards even though team-mate Everton Ribeiro clearly fouled Brazilian Bruno Cesar in the incident that led to Hassan’s dismissal.
It proved telling, the Red Knights conceded two late goals as the Saudi’s came from behind to win 2-1.
Goalkeeper Majed Naser is still serving a six-match ban but midfielder Habib Fardan and defender Abdulaziz Haikal are available after suspension.
And UAE international Fardan called on the club’s fans to get behind their team.
He said: “We are waiting for the public. We know their importance and we give all we have and hope to climb to the second round.”
Ahli have never managed to progress beyond the group stage of the Champions League in their six previous appearances in the competition, eliminated in the qualifying round in 2002/03 and failing to get out of their group in 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2014.
