Lekhwiya players in action during a training session in this file photo.
Qatar Stars League (QSL) champions Lekhwiya are expecting a feisty contest against Iranian hosts Persepolis when the two sides clash in the round of 16 of the AFC Champions League today.
The game will take place at Iran's iconic Azadi Stadium where the QSL title winners will play in front of an empty stadium since the Asian ruling body has penalised the home club for improper fan behaviour witnessed during a separate clash.
"We are facing a difficult encounter with Persepolis. This is pretty much the case when you face Iranian teams," Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi said yesterday.
"Such games are always very difficult and complex," Belmadi said during a press conference.
"They have a good team. They have strong players with a lot of experience. Some of their players play for the Iranian national side," Belmadi said.
"So I expect it to be a tough game, not just for us but for both the teams," the Algerian coach added.
"We don't focus on who is going to play before or during a game. What we are looking at is how we play on the pitch," Belmadi said in response to a question.
When asked about the absence of Al Moiz and Youssef El Arabi, Belmadi said: "Each team has to go through such situations. Injuries are part and parcel of the game. We have to find replacements for these two and move on."
Belmadi, who guided Lekhwiya to their overall fifth QSL title win last month, said his team feels ready despite the absence of some players.
"We studied them well. Their team has good defenders and some good players," Belmadi said.
"We have certainly studied each and every player of Persepolis," he said. "What we are doing is that we are looking at our performances and how my players adapt to my plans," he said.
Lekhwiya midfielder Talal Al Qahtani said his team is eyeing a quarter-final berth.
"It will be a tough match for both sides but we have come here to win. We are confident about a win," Al Qahtani said.
When asked about the clash being played at an empty stadium, Al Qahtani said: "We played in the Champions League before big fans and we were not affected by it. Similarly the absence of the fans from the match tomorrow will not affect us because we will play against Persepolis and not the fans."
"We have quality players who are capable of facing all conditions and we have professionals of the highest level. We have international stars in our line-up. I hope we succeed and reach the quarter-finals," he said.
Lekhwiya will be hoping their star Korean striker Nam Tai-hee - who was named Qatar Player of the Year on Saturday - to produce a winning performance today.
The two teams play the return clash on May 30 in Doha.
