Al Gharafa vs Esteghlal — match summary
Asia · AFC Champions League Elite · kick-off 13 Oct 2026 01:15
Full time · score 1-2
pPS pre-match readiness (0-100): Al Gharafa 34 · Esteghlal 10
mPS in-play performance (0-100): Al Gharafa 55 · Esteghlal 39
Shots on target 8-3 · corners 9-5 · possession 45-55
NextGOAL tip: Al Gharafa (level) · 2 stars
The AFC Champions League Elite is back, and this is a continental cup match between two teams from different countries and different leagues. Al Gharafa have just lost 1-2 in this competition, while Esteghlal have just won 3-0 in the same competition. The two teams therefore walk onto the pitch feeling very different. Al Gharafa have not been doing well in their own league lately, losing 3 of 5 matches, and their defence is clearly a problem. Esteghlal, meanwhile, are unbeaten in the league in 5 straight matches, but 3 of those were draws, so their attack is not as sharp as the overall results suggest. This game will likely start with both sides waiting for their moment, because both have just played in this cup recently and know that a mistake puts them at a serious disadvantage. The first half could end goalless or with just one goal, and then it should open up in the second half when necessity forces the issue.