AFC Champions League Review: Al Ain progress with Al Rayyan hammering

Al Ain crushed Al Rayyan 4-1 to make sure of progression from AFC Champions League Group D, with Swedish striker Marcus Berg netting twice.

Zoran Mamic’s men began the day just a point ahead of their hosts in the crucial final group game, but in the end there was clear daylight between the two sides.

Hussein El Shahat gave the visitors the lead after just 11 minutes and they managed to hold off any fightback from Al Rayyan, despite Mohsine Moutouali hitting the post late in the first half.

Omar Abdulrahman doubled the advantage early in the second period with a stunning free-kick and Al Ain subsequently became a potent threat on the counter.

And that is exactly how they punished Al Rayyan three minutes later – Berg finishing off a break before doing so again late on, rendering Sebastian Soria’s goal five minutes from time a mere consolation.

FULL-TIME | Al Rayyan SC (QAT) 1-4 Al Ain FC (UAE)!@alainfcae qualify in fine fashion as @husseinelshahat, @Amoory10 and Berg score four past the Qatari side!#ACL2018 #RYNvAIN pic.twitter.com/LSSXSNToSD

— AFC Champions League (@TheAFCCL) April 16, 2018

Persepolis pipped Al Sadd to top spot in Group C, beating them 1-0 thanks to Morteza Pouraliganji’s third-minute own goal.

FULL-TIME | Persepolis FC (IRN) 1-0 Al Sadd SC (QAT)!

Persepolis get the three points and secure top spot in Group C! Will Al Sadd regret finishing second? #ACL2018 #PERvSAD pic.twitter.com/3PkwKPXT57

— AFC Champions League (@TheAFCCL) April 16, 2018

Nasaf finish two points adrift of Al Sadd despite beating pointless Al Wasl 2-1 on the road, while the other game in Group D saw Esteghlal win 1-0 at Al Hilal to make sure of progression as table-toppers.