Tehran, Iran – March 15, 2025
Persepolis FC and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr played out an intense 2-2 draw in the AFC Champions League quarterfinal first leg on Saturday. Over 78,000 fans packed Tehran’s Azadi Stadium, creating a deafening atmosphere for one of Asia’s most anticipated matches. The result leaves both teams with everything to fight for in the second leg next week.
The match began explosively. Al-Nassr, led by star forward Anderson Talisca, took the lead in the 12th minute. A defensive error by Persepolis captain Jalal Hosseini allowed Talisca to sprint into the box. His low shot beat goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand at the near post. The away fans erupted, but their joy was short-lived.
Persepolis responded just seven minutes later. Winger Mehdi Torabi delivered a pinpoint cross to striker Issa Alekasir, who headed powerfully past Al-Nassr’s keeper Raghed Al-Najjar. The stadium shook as fans celebrated the equalizer. Both teams pushed for a second goal, but the first half ended 1-1.
The second half saw higher tension. Persepolis defender Danial Esmaeilifar received a yellow card in the 53rd minute for a rough tackle on Talisca. Al-Nassr capitalized on the momentum. In the 61st minute, midfielder Abdulrahman Ghareeb curled a stunning free-kick into the top corner, putting the Saudi side ahead again.
Persepolis refused to surrender. Coach Yahya Golmohammadi brought on young substitute Omid Noorafkan in the 70th minute. The move paid off. Noorafkan’s clever pass found Alekasir in the 78th minute, and the striker slotted home his second goal. The Iranian fans roared, waving red flags and chanting non-stop.
The final minutes were chaotic. Al-Nassr’s defender Abdulelah Al-Amri was sent off in the 85th minute for a second yellow card after fouling Torabi. Persepolis pressed for a winner, but Al-Nassr’s defense held firm. The match ended 2-2, setting up a dramatic second leg in Riyadh on March 22.
Key Players and Reactions
Issa Alekasir was named Man of the Match for his two goals. “Scoring against Al-Nassr is special,” he said. “But the job isn’t done. We’ll give everything in Riyadh.” Al-Nassr’s Talisca praised his team’s resilience: “We wanted a win, but a draw here is okay. Our fans will push us at home.”
Persepolis coach Golmohammadi criticized the referee for not awarding a penalty when Saeid Sadeghi went down in the box late in the game. “Decisions like that change matches,” he said. Al-Nassr’s manager Rudi Garcia admitted relief: “Playing here is tough. Our players showed big hearts.”
Political Tensions Add Drama
The match carried political weight due to strained Iran-Saudi relations. Security was tight, with 3,000 police officers deployed. Fans were banned from bringing political banners. AFC officials warned both clubs to avoid provocations. Despite fears, no major incidents were reported.
Tournament Implications
The winner of this tie will face either Qatar’s Al-Sadd or South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai in the semifinals. Al-Nassr aims to win their first Champions League title since 1995. Persepolis, runners-up in 2018 and 2020, seek their maiden trophy.
What’s Next?
Al-Nassr will host Persepolis at Mrsool Park Stadium on March 22. Persepolis must score at least once to advance if the match ends in a draw. Al-Nassr, however, has a strong home record, losing just once in 18 months.
Fan Reactions
Persepolis supporter Arash Mohammadi, 29, said, “We deserved a win, but Al-Nassr is dangerous. We’ll fight harder there.” Al-Nassr fan Khaled Al-Mansoor, visiting from Riyadh, added, “Our team is confident. Talisca and Ghareeb will shine at home.”
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