Al Nasr must better their heroics from Saudi Arabia to defeat Al Ittihad once again and close on AFC Champions League progression, according to boss Ivan Jovanovic.
The Blue Wave belied their domestic pain before the international break to earn a historic 2-1 triumph in Jeddah, courtesy of striker Nilmar’s excellent double.
This means Wednesday night’s hosts are one victory away from all-but-guaranteeing entry into the round of 16 for the first time in three attempts.
Despite his club’s strong position, Jovanovic, 53, urged caution as top meets bottom in Group A.
He said: “Every game in the AFC Champions League is a very difficult game. This home game against Al Ittihad will be the same, for many reasons.
“In order to win, we need to make an even better game than we did against them in Jeddah.”
Ittihad arrive on the back of a three-match losing streak in all competitions. The pressure on boss Victor Piturca was increased on Sunday as his side fell to a 4-2 loss in the Saudi Professional League to neighbours Al Ahli Jeddah.
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“This game will determine our chances to qualify and will decide our fate,” the ex-Romania supremo said. “For us, we are coming to win.
“All the problems are over. We have gathered the players and talked with them. We have forgotten what happened.”
The fixture at Al Maktoum Stadium is Nasr’s first for three weeks, because of the international period.
An awful run of form in the UAE had preceded it, including the premature end of their President’s Cup defence and a four-match winless run in the Arabian Gulf League to drop to fifth.
Forward Jires Kembo Ekoko believed the break has allowed the squad to convalesce.
He said: “This period was good for us to work, as all we want is what is best for us. I think we will be ready for this game.”
